Lot 21
The Wine Wonder of Down Under

Fourteen (14) days and thirteen (13) nights exploring the premier wine regions of Australia for two (2) couples
Round-trip, first class airfare provided for two (2) couples to Sydney, Australia

The only thing longer than the inevitable flight to the Wonder Down Under is the list of unforgettable wines, wineries, restaurants, accommodations, scenic vistas and gracious hosts and vintners you’ll encounter on this Australian odyssey. This two-week grand tour filled with gastronomic delights and picturesque beauty will give you an invaluable panoramic appreciation of winemaking in the country’s most renowned regions and microclimates: Hunter Valley, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley and Barossa Valley.

After your flight across the Pacific, you can refresh and rejuvenate in one of the world’s most dynamic cities, Sydney. You have two full days to enjoy everything this magnificent metropolis has to offer, from exploring the world-famous Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge, to spending a leisurely afternoon at Paddy’s Markets, or joining the locals bathing and relaxing in the sun on Manly or Bondi Beach. There are numerous exciting venues to visit, but the most “precious” among them will be seeing the headquarters of the Autore Group, one of the largest South Sea pearl producers and distributors in the world. You might want to dine at Guillaume at Bennelong, a world-class restaurant inside the southern shell of the Sydney Opera House and take in the Harbor view while appreciating why the city has a deserved reputation for its world-class restaurants.

From Sydney, you’ll start your quest through the Wine Wonders of Down Under, traveling in comfort and style to Australia’s oldest wine producing region, the Hunter Valley.

• Days Three and Four: Trophy Hunters - Hunter Valley
The vine growing history of the Hunter Valley began in 1830 and today has approximately 3,500 hectares of vines with an annual crush of over 35,000 tons. The wines reflect the temperate climate, healthy rains and fertile soils, set below the dramatic backdrop of the Brokenback Ranges. You’ll enjoy a food-and-wine pairing at McWilliams Mount Pleasant and private tastings at Tyrell’s, one of Australia’s oldest wineries, and Brokenwood, renowned for its Shiraz. A tour of the Hunter Valley would not be complete without a stop at Margan Family Wines and Tower Estate to round out your introduction to the unique treasures of the region’s Semillon and Shiraz.

• Days Five and Six: Australian Icons - Adelaide Hills
Over the last three decades the Adelaide Hills has built a reputation as one of Australia's most exciting cool climate regions producing distinctive, refined and elegant wines. Once you arrive at Magill Estate you’ll taste “Penfolds Grange” with winemaker Peter Gago. Dining at the Penfolds Magill Estate restaurant on the first evening will give you a bird’s eye view of five hectacres of the most picturesque vineyards on the property. Driving through the gorgeous rolling vineyards, unspoiled bushland and rich farmland of Adelaide Hills you’ll be treated to private tastings at Shaw & Smith, Ravenswood Lane and Petaluma, a trio of the region’s finest boutique producers. End your stay in Adelaide with a special private tasting and dinner at the home of Sarah and Sparky Marquis, renowned vintners of Mollydooker.

• Days Seven and Eight: All Hail McLaren Vale
Following the coast south from Adelaide you’ll arrive at McLaren Vale, a region influenced by its proximity to the ocean and warm climate. Hearty reds and fine whites will be offered to you as you make your way through the region and visit such wineries as Wirra Wirra Cellars, Hugh Hamilton Winery and Coriole Vineyards. You’ll also meet Toby Bekker from Paxton Vineyards who will share his experiences as one of the region’s leading viticulturists and practitioner of biodynamics as he escorts you on tours of Hardy’s Tintara Cellars and Woodstock. Beautiful beaches, spectacular surf and a stunning sunset dinner on the beach will help to make this a most-memorable leg of your journey.

• Days Nine and Ten: A Rare Treat in Clare
Nestled in the mid-north of South Australia is one of the country’s most beautiful wine regions with a long and proud wine growing history. You’ll be seduced by its grace and charm as well as its famous Rieslings, Cabernets and Shiraz when you visit Grosset Wines, Tim Adams and Wendouree. At Skillolagee, you’ll enjoy a scenic lunch on the porch of the old stone cottage, joined by owners Di and Dave Palmer. Before leaving on the next leg of your trip, you’ll taste wines with Peter Barry of Jim Barry, visit the re-opened Knappstein Brewery at Knappstein Wines and stop by the largest winery in the region, Taylors. You’ll relax both nights among sixty acres of woods and pastures at Thorn Park Country House, hosted by David Hay and Michael Speers.

• Days Eleven and Twelve: Bold Barossa
The Barossa Valley needs little introduction as it has forged an international reputation as the spiritual home of Australian Shiraz. You’ll start your visit at St. Hallet and taste the award-winning ‘Old Block’ Shiraz. Just down the road you’ll call on Rockford and sample its signature wine, the ‘Basket Press’ Shiraz. Barossa is also home to Torbreck, where you’ll have a private tasting with David Powell, followed by another exclusive tasting at Two Hands. A hearty, local lunch will set you in good stead to enjoy another tutored tasting at Glaetzer, home to the famous ‘Amon Ra’ Shiraz.

Unfortunately, your odyssey of vineyards and wines must ultimately draw to a close and you’ll spend one final night in Sydney. Your Australian experience will culminate with a dinner at Tetsuya, a city gastronomic landmark where you’ll have a 10-course menu prepared and paired with wine by world-renowned chef Tetsuya Wakuda. His cuisine is based on the Japanese philosophy of natural seasonal flavors, enhanced by classic French techniques.

This oenophile’s epic has far too many highlights to mention, so bid high and pack light!

Insider’s Info: All airfare, accommodations, ground transportation and most meals are included. Trip must be taken during one of the following time periods: March 1 – May 31, 2008, September 1 – mid-November 2008 or March 1 – May 31, 2009. Winery visits may be tailored to meet the interests and schedule of the winner. Subject to change without notice. Subject to availability. Restrictions apply.

DONORS: Martha & Jim Fligg and Barbara & John Jordan
ADDITIONAL DONORS: The Team from Wine Australia
Airfare provided by an anonymous donor