Wine Travel Stories - Page 29 of 29 | In-depth Tales of Winery Visits Around the World

Kangaroos in McClaren Vale

On Sunday, I drove to Uncle Gary and Aunt Marilyn’s house in McClaren Vale. They have an 80 acre ranch just outside the own on the hills above the vineyards. The nearest wineries are Wirra Wirra and Noon’s. Gary and I spent the afternoon wine tasting and then went 4-wheel driving on the property in search of kangaroos. I was amazed at how many we saw – at least 15 that evening but they are difficult to catch on camera (see video & photo). To date, I have now seen at least 40 kangaroos on their property – some are [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-24T00:33:35-08:00March 24, 2008|

Festival and Fun in Adelaide

I flew from Melbourne to Adelaide on Wednesday evening, Feb. 27 and spent the next 2 days at the University of South Australia doing research. Since festival was going on, I got to experience some of the wonderful exhibits and music. On Friday night we saw the light show and dance on North Terrace and had a nice party at Armando’s. Saturday, I picked grapes in McClaren Vale and attended a Harvest BBQ in the morning and afternoon, then returned to a BBQ at Larry and Janet’s house in Adelaide. A long fun day of eating and drinking incredible wines. [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2020-12-25T06:24:41-08:00March 24, 2008|

Visiting in the Wineries of Rutherglen Australia

Emily provided excellent driving directions from Jasper Hill to Rutherglen, and I therefore took the backroads of Victoria and rarely passed another car. However, I did pass two dead kangaroos – one in the very center of the road – that had been hit my cars. Ugh. I guess they are like deer here – very plentiful. There were many signs saying to watch out for both kangaroos and koala bears, though I did not see any of the latter. Regardless, it was still a long drive and I arrived in Rutherglen around 3:30 and stopped at the Visitor’s Center. [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2020-12-25T06:24:26-08:00February 29, 2008|

Heathcote & Jasper Hill Winery

http://www.jasperhill.com/spirit.asp On Tuesday morning, I called Jasper Hill to see if they were harvesting grapes, and fortunately for me they had decided to wait until Thursday. Therefore, they gave me driving directions from Melbourne and I passed through a beautiful country-side of rolling hills, eucalyptus and huge rock formations. Arriving in Heathcote – part of the Goldfields Country of Victoria – I was charmed by the little town and the Visitor’s Center. They provided a winery map and I was easily able to make my way to Jasper Hill where Emily, Ron, and Elva met me and provided a wonderful [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2020-12-25T06:24:11-08:00February 29, 2008|

The Yarra Valley + Video

A beautiful valley surrounded by mountains, with small wineries and charming little towns. It is known for its pinot noirs and chardonnays. About a one hour drive from Melbourne, there are no direct highways – and you must spend time driving on the left side of some very windy and hilly roads. I managed to only go the wrong way twice and ran over 3 curbs; turned my windshield wipers on about 10 times, but otherwise the drive was fine. I arrived in the small town of Yarra Glen first and followed a sign that said wineries, but they were [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2020-12-25T06:23:56-08:00February 29, 2008|

The Flight Over to Oz

After a nice filet migon dinner at Harris's SteakHouse in San Francisco with Zia and Mike, I headed to SFO airport. Of course my upgrade to business class didn't come through because the plane was full, but since we left at 10:20pm, I took an Ambien and was asleep before lift off. I awoke 8 hours later and got to know my seat mates -- a girl from Syndey who gave me driving advice for Australia and an American rock band member from Michigan. He was on a world-wide band tour with his 5 friends, and I learned how tough [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2020-12-25T06:23:40-08:00February 25, 2008|

Packing for the Trip

Have successfully scheduled several winery appointments and also have been invited to help pick grapes and assist with crush in the McLarenvale. Busy packing and praying to get upgrade to business class. Bad storm coming into the Bay Area today. Hope it won't delay the plane. Let's think positively!

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2020-12-25T06:23:18-08:00February 23, 2008|

Photo From My Vineyard

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-24T00:30:11-08:00February 18, 2008|

Trying to Schedule Winery Appointments

I leave for Australia in less than 6 days now, and am desperately attempting to set-up some appointments at wineries. Of course, since I am going close to grape harvest, this is difficult because everyone is so busy. However, I've had much help from friends and am getting closer to confirming some appointments. I also think I may just drop by some of the wineries and see if I can help out.

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2020-12-25T06:23:00-08:00February 18, 2008|