Wine without Borders? It's a Philosophy

Tonight the group of winemakers who call themselves "winemakers without borders" will be introduced at Magazine Gallery, Clubhouse Lane off Hindley St, Adelaide.

The group, who came together in a most organic and democratic way, mostly via social media, share a philosophy that winemaker David Bowley of Vinteloper describes as "essentially being about mixing things up and doing things differently with wine."

Oliver's Taranga winemaker Corrina Wright says winemakers without borders is "about bringing wine to the people."

"From Adelaide Central Market to the Sydney Opera House - this crew is all about taking wine to new and interesting spaces."

Winemakers without Borders events so far include Shin & Shiraz; The #HEARTYPARTY; and Pinot & Polenta, with Oysters in the House and the V and S Ball planned in October for many members of the winemakers without borders crew.

Yalumba winemaker Louisa Rose says: "it's a holistic philosophy - no borders means that you can experiment with new everything - from grape varieties, regions and winemaking styles, to wine occasions, food matches and the people and places that ultimately share the experience."

In the spirit of how it all began - here's what some people are saying in the twittersphere about tonight's launch and about previous events:

@OliversTaranga Corrina Wright Going to be a cracker! RT Cant wait for launch nite! @winenoborders @Bosworthwines @Vinteloper @_amanda_jane @OliversTaranga @MitoloWines

Andr頃eccon
oh my so much delicious wine to taste! and many delicious wine makers to meet! :D hopefully I can find someone who will take me for vintage :)

@GandTQueen Samantha Connew @_amanda_jane@cogitowine@swellbrewery@winenoborders I'm allabout no borders...I cross 'em all ;)

Josh Twothousand
viticulture sans frontiers?????

@Vinteloper Vinteloper loving the #heartyparty video feat. @stockwine@OliversTaranga@winenoborders. Check out the height different & more! http://bit.ly/lNLNOr

Mark Reginato
we all need no borders! i'll be there!

@benmoroney Ben Moroney@winenoborders Hey, as a keen supporter of Medecins Sans Frontieres, great to see someone doing wine-related charity work...

@amanda_jane Amanda J Pritchard @MyCentralMarket you know we have HEAPS of ideas! suffolk lamb & shiraz; classic wine & cheese; fianoagogo; pinot &polenta + @winenoborders

@maxhalliday max halliday @winenoborders@vinteloper@yalumba hey Goodluck fellas, surely without borders holding you back you're A shoe in!

The blog www.winemakerswithoutborders.wordpress.com is still in build mode for launch tonight but will be live later today with the full list of winemakers without borders along with some very non wine related information about them, naturally.

In the meantime - here they are - the inaugural winemakers without borders crew.

Andre Bondar, Mitolo,
Brioni Oliver and Corrina Wright, Oliver's Taranga,
Chester Osborn, D'Arenberg,
Chris Dix, Madeleines,
Chris Ringland, Solita,
Darren Golding, Golding,
David Bowley, Vinteloper,
David Le Mire, La Linea,
Greg Clayfield, Zema Estate,
John Edwards, The Lane Vineyard,
Karina Dambergs, Clover Hill,
Kim Chalmers, Chalmers,
Kevin McCarthy, T'Gallant,
LoＯspan>c Le Calvez, Taltarni,
Louisa Rose, Yalumba,
Louise Hemsley-Smith and Joch Bosworth, Battle of Bosworth, Spring Seed,
Nick Stock, Solita, Twofold, Bespoke Bros,
Paul Smith, Wirra Wirra,
Richard Bate, Arete,
Rory Lane, The Story,
Samantha Connew, Tower Estate,
Sam Wigan, Running with Bulls,
Sue Bell, Bellwether,
Taras Ochota, Ochota Barrels,

Twitter: @winenoborders
Winemakers without Borders launches TONIGHT , Magazine Gallery 6pm 83a Hindley St (Clubhouse Lane)
Please come with your twitter handle and smart phones at the ready!

CRAVE SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL LAUNCHES OFFICIAL PROGRAM

Hundreds of extraordinary food events announced across Sydney and NSW

Global superstar chefs, foodies and families will converge across Sydney and around the state during October's Crave Sydney International Food Festival, presented by Citibank.

This year's exciting program, launched this weekend in The Sydney Morning Herald and on www.cravesydney.com again proves Sydney is the place to be in October for food lovers, with brilliant new events such as Breakfast on Bondi and Kids' Crazy Island Tea Party on Goat Island joining favourites such as the Night Noodle Markets, Barbecue Madness, Let's Do Lunch and the fabulous World Chef Showcase (October 1 and 2).

"We have a fantastic South American theme this year and I am excited not only about the incredible international chefs coming to Sydney – including those behind six of the S. Pellegrino World's Best Restaurants – but also the opportunities we will have to celebrate Sydney's fantastic food culture, through special dinners, lunches and other one-off food experiences in our own backyard," said Festival Director Joanna Savill.

"With literally hundreds and hundreds of events, there is so much to see and do and taste. We're also thrilled to see a real growth in regional events, especially the 100 Mile Meal events, as well as a stack of new community festivals across Greater Sydney."

Highlights of the festival include:

·         World Chef Showcase (October 1&2) – star chefs like Alex Atala (Brazil) David Chang (US), Gaston Acurio (Peru), and Mauro Colagreco (Argentina) join local legends to showcase their talents in intimate sessions at Hilton Sydney

·         Barbecue Madness (October 1) – the festival starts off with a sizzle at The Sydney Morning Herald Growers' Market at Pyrmont as Kylie Kwong and other top chefs - including David Tanis from the legendary Chez Panisse restaurant in California - grill up a storm with a sustainability message

·         Breakfast on Bondi (October 23) – join breakfast king Bill Granger and surf lifesaver/MasterChef star Hayden Quinn for the perfect start to the day, on the beach!

100 Mile Meals (October): Think global, eat local! Enjoy a huge long table lunch at a number of 100 Mile Meal events taking place across regional NSW, celebrating the best local produce. All ingredients for these lunches, dinners, picnics and more come from just down the road or a nearby paddock – with brilliant local wines.

·         Kids' Crazy Island Tea Party (October 15-16, 22-23 and 29-30) – jump on a ferry to explore Goat Island transformed into a magical food playground

·         Night Noodle Markets (October 10-14, 17-21) – get among the happy crowds at the festival's signature evening event and sample authentic Asian hawker-style fare in Hyde Park North

·         Let's Do Lunch – top Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide hatted Sydney restaurants invite you to enjoy a specially created main course, a matched glass, beer or mineral water and a coffee for just $38

·         Street festivals (throughout October) – with dozens of great street-based events this year, including eight new community festivals – such as Fairfield's South American Culinary Carnivale (October 15), Bexley's Food n' Groove (October 22) and Strathfield Asian Fusion (October 23), there's never been a better time to explore Sydney's multi-cultural food scene

NSW Minister for Major Events George Souris said Breakfast on Bondi and the Kids' Crazy Island Tea Party are an exciting new addition to the 2011 Crave Sydney International Food Festival program.

"Visitors and Sydneysiders will be able to enjoy a sunrise breakfast on Bondi Beach on October 23 and experience a tea party on Goat Island over three weekends.

"What is special about the Crave Sydney International Food Festival is that it uses many of our wonderful and unique Sydney icons but also allows for discovering Greater Sydney and Regional NSW," he said.  

NSW Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner said Crave Sydney International Food Festival celebrates Sydney and regional NSW as a global dining destination based on world class local wine and produce.

"Our farmers, growers and winemakers produce some of the best food in Australia.

"Crave Sydney International Food Festival is an opportunity to showcase this culinary produce on a global stage with some of the best chefs in the world experiencing, tasting and cooking with NSW produce during the festival," he said.

Crave Sydney International Food Festival (October 1-31) is a month-long celebration of extraordinary food experiences and one of five signature events in the NSW Events Calendar.

The full Crave Sydney International Food Festival program, is published on August 27 in The Sydney Morning Herald and is available on the website www.cravesydney.com.

Tickets for the must-do World Chef Showcase are on sale now via Ticketmaster.

See ticketmaster.com.au/worldchefshowcase.

Sips and the City Takes Sydney

Media Release

WHO: Louise Hemsley-Smith (Battle of Bosworth and Spring Seed Wines), Corrina Wright (Oliver's Taranga), Samantha Connew (Tower Estate), and your hosts Louise Radman (Wine lady of Radpublic) and Miss Kate Parry (Wine with Curves)

WHAT: Giggle and gulp with women winemakers and discover you don't need a wang to make good wine. $70 per person includes tasting plate and wine.

WHEN: Wednesday, 21st September 6-8.30pm

WHERE: Fix St James, 111 Elizabeth St SYDNEY

Sydney lady lovers of wine and a good time, you are invited to giggle and gulp with female "MW's" (Mistresses of Wine) —Louise Hemsley-Smith, Corrina Wright, Samantha Connew, Louise Radman and Kate Parry and become familiar with some of this season's hottest labels—Tower Estate, Oliver's Taranga, Spring Seed, and Battle of Bosworth.

"Cosmos are passé, vino's the new way!" said winemaker Corrina Wright of Oliver's Taranga.

Send those misters big or small away with their cocktails between their legs, as this one's not for the lads. The all-girl gathering will soak up how four mistresses of wine tame their grapes, and guests will become well heeled in their various styles and support the Variety Club at the same time.

The idea for this event came when a bunch of ladies more accustomed to Valentino than vermentino were together drinking wine but lamenting the fact they didn't feel quite right talking about it.

"We thought, what better way than to get a bunch of leading wine women together, taste, talk and enjoy?" said Louise Radman of Radpublic..
"There will be a wine options game like no other, prizes and all for a good cause in Variety" said Kate Parry, who prefers her wine with curves. "Frock up and make a night of it."

Fix St James owner, Stuart Knox said he was sure once word got out about the ladies only event that Elizabeth St would be teeming with men. "I'm looking forward to welcoming women in droves!"

"We know that women outside the industry are anxious to learn a bit more about wine, but can feel a bit out of their depth with all the wine language," says Louise Hemsley-Smith of Battle of Bosworth and Spring Seed Wines.

"With Sips and the City," explains Samantha Connew, "we're providing a comfortable avenue for women to have their wine questions answered by women, and take in a bit of knowledge and fine wine at the same time."

March those Manolo's in to drink Montepulciano, sachet Ferragamo to splash Fiano and replace Valentino with Vermentino at Sips in the City.

Bookings - Fix St James 02 9232 2767

Twitter: @fixstjames @gandtqueen @oliverstaranga @bosworthwines @ louiseradman @ misskateparry #sipsandthecity Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=135236009903239

Canberra wineries using a drop of technology to reach customers

Not only are Canberra district wineries leading the way with high quality wines in several premium varieties, they are also leading the way with innovative technology. Several have started using QR codes on their labels, or are planning to do so in the near future.

Shaw Vineyard Estate, a boutique winery located in Murrumabteman in the Canberra District wine region is one such winery that has started adding the QR (quick response) codes to their labels.

"The use of QR codes in the winery actually started when we began exploring new ways to attract people to our winery and wines through different online marketing channels. The conversation about websites and new technology inevitably headed in the direction that many marketers are heading these days – smart phone apps," said Tanya Olinder, Director and Cellar Door manager at Shaw Vineyard Estate.

QR codes are better known as those 'website friendly bar codes' that are tailor made for helping people navigate to information via their internet enabled smart phones.  First launched onto the scene in Japan in 1994 by a subsidiary of Japanese car manufacturer, Toyota, they were originally designed to track vehicle parts in car manufacture. The codes have been going through somewhat of a renaissance of late with the fast growth in software and devices that allow for the creation and use of QR codes, most notably Iphones and Google powered Android phones.

"From 2011 onwards all new domestic and export wine releases will contain the QR codes within the label design.  The codes will take the viewer to a page on our website which has the most up to date information on the release including tasting notes, food matching ideas, and the latest awards the wine has won.

"Adding another layer to the in store wine selection process definitely adds an attractive element for wineries that have been fighting the 'label and shelf wars' for years in Australia. For consumers this new marketing tool will provide those with a smart phone a more accurate and timely way to research and explore new wines prior to purchase and a few handy tips about the wine to share at the table once they get the wine home," Tanya continued.

Shaw Vineyard Estate hopes that these little codes will help them connect customers more closely with their brand and wine stories well into the future.   Tanya acknowledges that she isn't the first in the Canberra District to implement QR codes, but is definitely in a small group of early adopters.

 "We looked around the region and found some of the other wineries were doing it also so we know there has to be something in it," Tanya said.

In fact there are at least five others who are either already using the QR codes, or planning on using them in the near future. All wines made by Lark Hill will feature QR codes on the labels from the 2011 vintage on.

"The codes on labels provide a fast link to a permanent page on our website with information on that specific wine. They therefore provide permanent after-sales support for our customers – once they purchase the wine they can immediately find out more detail on its provenance, tasting notes and so on. The links will remain active for many years to come so that even if you cellar a wine, you can always find relevant, updated content about it," said Chris Carpenter of Lark Hill.

Lerida Estate will be including codes on their three new release wines – the 2011 Botrytis Pinot Gris, Lake George Blend (LGB) and Moscato style wine, the Rosa Frizzante – all to be released later in 2011. Capital Wines are also planning to have codes on their labels by the end of the year.

And it seems labels are only one use. Mount Majura Vineyard has several concepts under development including their brochure reprinted to include a code that will link to a dedicated page on their website with a video selling the cellar door experience. And in addition to labeling wines of the 2011 vintage with QR codes, Domaine Rogha Crois Wines' flagship Pinot Noir will have a  label code linking to a YouTube video that explains the techniques used to make the wine as well as tasting notes and food matches. Tanya at Shaw explains some of the other uses.

"We now have QR codes at the Cellar door for signing up to our email list and a separate one for liking us on Facebook.  These are two important marketing tools that we use to keep our customers up to date, so making it easier for people to join these lists was an easy choice.  It's definitely an innovation over the old clipboard and wine stained paper sign up list you see at most cellar doors," said Tanya.

"In the world of wine, anything that makes local Canberra district wines more enjoyable for consumers to purchase and consumer is surely going to leave a nice taste in people's mouths," Tanya concluded.

See the below media backgrounder for more detail on Shaw Vineyard Estate's experience implementing QR codes.

Shaw Vineyard Estate | Winning Times for Canberra that’s for Shaw

Media Release 


The Canberra district continues to shine as one of Australia's premier wine growing regions and Murrumbateman's Shaw Vineyard Estate never fails to impress with its outstanding range of expertly crafted wines.

The Shaw Vineyard Estate Shiraz 2009 (RRP $22) has this week been named on the Champions List at the New Zealand International Wine Show having been awarded a Gold Medal alongside a Silver and Bronze for its Cabernet Shiraz 2009 and Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 respectively. The 2009 Merlot also won Gold in Cairns this month, highlighting the greatness of the 2009 reds from this rapidly emerging region.

Shaw Vineyard Estate is ideally located in Murrumbateman, just 25 minutes north of Canberra.  The impressive 700 acre property is the largest privately owned vineyard holding in the Canberra wine region. The property, formerly known as 'Olleyville' historically produced some of Australia's finest wool. Nowadays, some 85 acres (32ha) are planted to vine on the property's most optimal vineyard sites.

With a unique sloping profile and elevation at around 640 metres above sea level, the property is ideally situated for the production of outstanding cool climate wines particularly Riesling, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrive on this elevated site with optimal drainage, and ideal aspect on this unique estate.

The region has fast become known for producing some of the country's most outstanding and sought after red wines, and vigneron Graeme Shaw feels that the 2009's are set to be amongst some of his finest.

A high quality vintage devoid of the hail and frost that effects so many growing seasons, so in great years like 2008 and 2009 the region produces some of Australia's best.

The 2009 Shaw Vineyard Estate Shiraz, has obviously the same pedigree as the 2008, refined and elegant. It exhibits those same classy characters that the estate produces so well year after year;  rich black cherry, white pepper and spice. Let's hope the medal tally on the 2009 tops the 2008's haul of 10 medals and climbing…

A truly family owned and run operation, the Shaw family spare no detail. Their busy cellar door is home to many of the regions leading events, and most certainly Flint in the Vines is the place to dine in the region. The cellar door, vineyard, warehouse and business are all completely run by this hands on family who exude enthusiasm for what the region has to offer.

See for yourself...

Distribution enquiries:-

Merlin Boutique Wines (NSW & ACT)      merlinboutique@optusnet.com.au     P: (02) 9940 2240

Cellar Connections (VIC)      expatwine@gmail.com             P: (0477) 959 463             

www.shawvineyards.com.au

PIONEERING WINE VENTURE INSPIRED BY DROUGHT

Wc22Aug11

PERFECT match with
prime rib and roast vegies.

David Ellis

WORLD War II Air Force rear-gunner, later wheat farmer and wool-grower, Peter Robertson was all of these things before turning his hand to wine-grape growing and planting the very first vines in NSW's Hilltops Region.

That was after a disastrous drought in 1969, and Peter cleverly planted his pioneering vines in contours where he noted his wheat crops had previously thrived; the result was instant success, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon in particular flourishing as had his hillside wheat crops pre that 1969 drought.

Today Peter Robertson's Barwang label is one of the most highly-respected in the Hilltops Region, an area where warm days with cooling evening breezes from the Great Dividing Range help Barwang's winemaker, Andrew Higgins create distinctive, full-flavoured yet elegant and subtle reds.

The just-released 2009 Barwang Cabernet Sauvignon is one such wine: after drought again in 2007 and heatwaves in 2008, the 2009 vintage returned to textbook Hilltops with warm, gentle and even temperatures giving this 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon nice black currant and mulberry fruit characters, and well-structured tannins.

SHARE this one with hearty
|Italian-style meat and
tomato-sauce dishes.

At $19.99 it's good buying to enjoy with prime rib and roast vegetables

ONE FOR LUNCH: TWENTY-FIVE minutes north of Canberra on a one-time fine-wool growing property, the Shaw family's impressive Shaw Vineyard Estate is turning out some very more-ish reds and whites some 640-metres above sea-level.

These cool-climate wines are impressing consumers and show-judges alike, with vigneron Graeme Shaw's 2009 Shiraz one of his finest-ever: loaded with rich black cherry flavours and nice varietal white pepper and spice, at $22 its  a beauty to share with hearty Italian-style meat and tomato-sauce dishes.

(NEED A FOOD/DRINK IDEA? Check out  http://www.vintnews.com )

Granite Belt Primavera Festival 2011 - Food, Wine, Culture, Nature

Media Release


Lovers of food, wine, culture and nature can indulge in the Granite Belt this spring. The 2011 Primavera Festival program offers 90 days of cultural, nature-based and gastronomic experiences.

Meet the winemakers, providores and artisans; and celebrate with more than 55 events, festivities, workshops and master classes from September to November.

From seven course degustation dinners, to food and wine matching events with Spanish, Italian and modern Australian influences, produce sample markets and a beer fest, Primavera will be a gourmand's delight.

Wineries will release their new vintages. Be the first to try an award winning Verdelho, Tempranillo, Pinot Gris or Chardonnay at more than 40 cellar doors. The Festival also features the Australian Small Winemakers Show 2011, the most prestigious wine show for small winemakers in Australia and New Zealand. Meet the makers, the judges, and join the industry for their night of nights on the 19 October with a ticket to the Presentation Dinner. On the 22 October, the public tasting will provide a rare opportunity to sample boutique award winning wines from across Australia and New Zealand under one roof.

Sparkling garden parties and cup racing will offer the chance for fashionistas to dazzle. Primavera is a time for celebration and dancing with a myriad of music performances to suit every taste and preference including jazz, blues, big brass bands, classical pianists, rock n roll and country.

Experience Shakespeare amongst vines and granite boulders or treat the children to a traditional pantomime in a quaint little theatre. Cultural enthusiasts should not miss Art on Amiens, a trail showcasing some of the finest contemporary art the Granite Belt has to offer at galleries, wineries and food artisans throughout Amiens. Participating artists include Laurie Astill, Pat and Tom Benkendorff, Maggie Brockie, Keith Cameron, Linda Clutterbuck, Margaret Dowe, Chris Fletcher, Sue Jurd, Sandra McEwan, Maryke Miller, Bent and Eva Rasmussen, Michael Pieper, and Fay Roselt.

Get outdoors. In spring, the Granite Belt is a visual feast of apple blossoms, bursting grape vines and fields of wildflowers. Take a guided wildflower walk and discover more than 30 stunning varieties in bloom.

www.granitebeltwinecountry.com.au