Thursday 28 May 2020

NSW Cellar Doors to Open for Wine Tastings



Wineries with Cellar Doors in New South Wales have been given the green light to welcome visitors for wine tastings again from Monday 1 June 2020.

The NSW Wine Industry Association (NSWWIA) welcomes the announcement of the relaxation of the coronavirus restrictions that will see Cellar Doors be able to offer up to 50 guests seated wine tastings, without the necessity to serve with food. Total guest numbers at Cellar Doors will still be limited by the 1 person per 4 square metres regulation and the 1.5 metres social distancing rule.

NSWWIA President Mark Bourne says, "We are delighted with the news and thank the NSW Berejiklian government for their hard work, support and collaboration with industry during these difficult times. The NSW wine industry has faced drought, fires and the pandemic all in a short period of time and we cannot wait to start to make some new, more positive, memories with the wine loving public."

"Of course, it won't be back to normal exactly as there are still restrictions and guidelines in place to make sure we all stay safe. However, we are looking forward to those travelling to our wine regions in June joining us on this journey, as Cellar Doors offer new COVIDsafe models for enjoyable wine tastings and experiences, along with our usual exceptional wines and service."

To assist all NSW Cellar Doors and staff, as well as ensuring consumer confidence, the NSWWIA has created COVIDsafe Guidelines for all its members and also recommend a coronavirus safety training course. These guidelines, which align with the NSW Department of Health Checklist, give a practical set of recommendations for Cellar Doors to demonstrate to guests that their venue is safe and welcoming.

Mark adds, "The Cellar Doors in all of the 16 wine regions of NSW are committed to a successful re-opening, committed to following all the best safety practices and most importantly committed to exceeding visitors expectations by offering the very best wines and regional experiences available."

"We have been delighted to receive so many enquiries about coming to visit a winery with a trip to regional NSW, but I must highlight that we are all living and operating in a changed landscape and so to avoid disappointment, I highly recommend that you book ahead for tastings, lunches, dinners etc. Once booked, please be respectful by arriving on time for your bookings. Most importantly, enjoy the new safe and exciting tastings and wine experiences on offer across NSW."

@nswwine #nswwine #drinklocal #drinknsw

Thursday 30 April 2020

Reset Your Senses with a virtual visit to the Mudgee Region


Hello Mudgee Region Lover,

We hope you're well and safe.

Given the current climate, we invite you to take a virtual visit to the Mudgee Region, snap up some local goodies + wine and start planning your rebound trip, some time in the not too distant future (we hope!).

Stay well + happy. We look forward to welcoming you with open arms on the other side of this

Read the latest #MudgeeRegion bulletin here




Westward a winning whiskey

The Olympics may have been postponed, but the highest-rated American single malt – Westward Whiskey – has still managed to take home gold at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The brand's portfolio of whiskeys was awarded four gold medals, and the collection of honours were awarded to both the flagship whiskey offerings, including Westward American Single Malt and Westward Oregon Stout Cask (which will be released in Australia next month), as well as some of our forthcoming releases.

The accolades from the industry’s most prestigious awards judging event include:

GOLD MEDAL, Westward American Single Malt Whiskey, Oregon, USA [45%]
GOLD MEDAL, Westward Oregon Stout Cask Finish Whiskey, Oregon, USA [45%]
GOLD MEDAL, Westward Rum Cask Finish Whiskey, Oregon, USA [45%]
GOLD MEDAL, Westward Rum Cask Finish Whiskey, Oregon, USA [62.5%]

These awards are a huge feat for the craft distillery that brews and distils entirely in Portland, Oregon. Inspired by the region’s unique culture, climate and natural ingredients, every Westward Whiskey tipple is distinct, rich, brazen and full of flavour.

Across the brand's entire range, each liquid has a unique flavour that is achieved by following Westward’s Minimalist Distilling philosophy. Westward begins by brewing an artisanal American pale ale from scratch, using 100% Northwest two-role pale malted barley, ale yeast, and then fermented at low temperatures for extended periods. The fresh ale is distilled twice in custom low-reflux copper pot stills that are designed to create a robust spirit, and transform the fresh beer into whiskey. Westward Whiskey is then aged to taste in new, charred American oak barrels, where Oregon’s dry, hot summers and cool, wet winters create the ideal environment to raise a world-class whiskey.

Imported and distributed by Think Spirits in Australia, Westward Whiskey is available in leading independent liquor stores, Vintage Cellars, and Dan Murphy's.

For more information, visit www.westwardwhiskey.com.

ABOUT WESTWARD AMERICAN SINGLE MALT WHISKEY       

Founded in 2004 by Christian Krogstad, and later helmed by CEO and Co-Owner Thomas Mooney, Westward is a leader of America’s craft distilling resurgence and the anchor of Portland, Oregon’s famed Distillery Row. Since the opening of its new, expanded distillery in 2015, which increased capacity six-fold, Westward is both the largest distilling operation in the Pacific Northwest and the largest craft distiller on the West Coast. A leader of the rapidly growing American single malt whiskey category, Westward has earned high praise around the world, with Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a 93-point/Excellent rating at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, a 94-point rating from Wine Enthusiast, and top billing in the Wall Street Journal's list of Singular Single Malts Born in the US

Wednesday 22 April 2020

Uncover #NewSouthWales Wine - April 2020



Wineries, brewers and distillers around NSW are steering their cellar doors online. Brothers Ed and Dave Swift from Printhie Wines (above) in Orange are showcasing their delicious cool climate wines in virtual tasting sessions on their Facebook and Instagram channels. Be sure to check out the tasting schedule ahead of time, so you can get your hands on the relevant varietals for the session, which kick off at 4pm every Friday.

Continue exploring the wine regions of NSW by joining winemakers Stuart Horden and Kate Sturgess from Brokenwood Wines in the Hunter Valley, for their tastings every Wednesday from 6pm.

Alternatively, if you’re all wine’d out, the team at Stone & Wood are delivering freshly brewed craft beers to your doorstep in selected areas and encourage you to join them to a ‘cyber cheers’, with after-work beers every day at 4pm on their Instagram.

Tuesday 14 April 2020

Annie Fume Blanc Virtual Tasting at Chrry Tree Hill [video]


Fume Blanc 'Annie'
2018 Fumé Blanc
Southern Highlands, NSW

Fermented in French oak for 13 months, this Fume is full mouth feel yet has delicate fruit.




Buy this wine

This Mother's Day, step away from the macaroni and get your mum something she really wants. We have some great deals this week including a Girls Night In 6-Pack which we can deliver in time for mum to enjoy on her special day.

Includes the Annie Fume Blanc