Discover some Barossa wine gems - and then linger longer

Schubert Estate makes wines of power and precision, but tends to fly under the radar compared to some its higher-profile Barossa neighbours.

I've been working my way through some impressive wine releases and added their new tasting room to my "to do" list for my next visit.

The pioneering Schubert family planted vineyards along Roennfeldt Road in the Barossa in 1915, selling grapes to many neighbour wine producers.

In 2000, a small parcel was retained, yielding a single barrel of wine carrying the Schubert Estate name and the image of a goose - which the family chose as a symbol of courage, strength, and adventure.

Almost a quarter of a century on, winemaker Matt Reynolds produces artisan wines of style and substance.

The winery recently took out a Double Gold/ Diamond Trophy award at the Sakura Japan’s Women’s Wine Awards. 

For visitors, Schubert Estate "recently opened a magnificent new wine room and three-bedroom luxe residence", reports wine business consultant Howard Duncan.

The Wine Room (below) is open Monday-Friday11am-4pm and at weekends by appointment. The structured tastings include a complimentary sample platter and last for around 45 minutes.

Wines are also served by the glass and bottle, and can be paired with a gourmet platter.

For those wanting to stay awhile, the recently unveiled Residence, a classic old homestead, is set among he vineyards and gardens and offers premium self-contained accommodation for up to six people.

There are three double bedrooms, two with en suite bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen.

See https://schubertestate.com/pages/the-residence

Where you must pay $12 just to have a vessel from which to enjoy your wine

 

A key element to enjoying fine wines is using quality stemware.

I know several wine lovers who take their own wine glasses to restaurants to ensure they get maximum pleasure from expensive bottles. Sometimes they will take glasses specific to the variety they will be drinking.

But if you are attending the Clare Valley Gourmet Week then you'll do as you are told.

You will buy a polymer wine tumbler made in the US for $12 and use it. Or else. That $12 is on top of your entry fee, of course.  

Want to bring the wine glass you purchased at last year's event? Sorry. No go. Off with your head.

 
The organisers of Australia's longest-running wine and food festival - celebrating 40 years - this week proudly announced "your passport to the Festival - 2024 Official Gourmet Glassware".

They added: "We're excited to announce our brand-new GoVino Gourmet Glasses, which are durable, shatterproof, eco-friendly, and dishwasher safe! These are available to purchase for $12 at all festival venues (marked on the program) and will be used to serve your wine. Pick up at your first stop and enjoy at events throughout the week.

"Please be aware that due to this exciting change, last year's glasses will not be accepted at any venue."

That's telling them. Hospitality at its finest.

You WILL use an imported glass that is not made from glass. You WILL pay $12 for it even though it can be purchased on line and in retail outlets for far less. You WILL enjoy drinking from a tumbler rather than stemware.

I've asked the organisers for their comments/Whether this is a commercially driven decision or not. I'll let you know. 

# Two very high profile Clare Valley producers have made contact to say they will be ignoring the directive and using their own high-quality stemware. “A quality focus is important”. 

New market to lift Sydney beachside suburb

The Sydney beach suburb of Maroubra is to get a new monthly food and goods market featuring more than 100 stalls.

The new markets will be held at Broadarrow Reserve from May 5 and will include a selection of fresh produce, artisan food products, fashion, homewares, crafts, plants, flowers, and art.

There will also be onsite dining areas and a variety of vendors selling foods for immediate consumption.

There will also be a section of the market edicated to vintage and recycled goods.

The markets will be a collab between Randwick City Council and market curators Cambridge
Markets.

Randwick Mayor Philipa Veitch says the new markets will bring together the community and help
boost the local economy.

“Not only will the Maroubra Beach markets activate a wonderful outdoor public space, but they will provide residents with another great event to look forward to each month and give Sydneysiders from outside the area another reason to visit our beautiful beachside suburb,” Veitch said.

“In addition to the markets, there are plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops at Maroubra Beach for everyone to explore and enjoy.

”“Residents wanted markets that offered a variety of things, from fresh produce to artisan and
general goods.”

Cambridge Markets director Madelienne Andersen said: “We’re so delighted to bring a monthly
market to this beachside location. Markets are such a great way to strengthen community spirit,
bolster local economies and support small business, as well as showcase emerging artisans.

"This monthly event is for everyone to enjoy. Come down for breakfast, lunch or a coffee and browse the incredible array of merchandise on offer. All our stallholders are very passionate and happy to chat with customers about their products."

The markets will run on the first Sunday of each month from 8am–2pm.

Mudgee now offers a chic stay under canvas

Mudgee is a fast-growing gourmet destination and visitors can now enjoy staying in "chic eco tents" with the launch of new accommodation at Parklands Resort Mudgee.

The deluxe addition to Mudgee’s accommodation offering sees guests treated to four poster beds, Mudgee providore provisions, continental breakfast hampers and sunset wines on the deck.

In addition, the eco-tents are pet friendly, so canine friends are welcome to enjoy the stay (for an additional fee).

The 15 brand new eco-friendly canvas tents, known as Mudgee Retreats, boast luxurious four-poster king-size beds with private en suite bathrooms.

As part of the Parklands Resort complex, the Retreats are surrounded by 30 acres of countryside but are close to the town centre. Facilities include access to a private tennis court, indoor pool, fitness centre and heated spa.

With a commitment to sustainability, each of the Retreats have been built using the Eco Anchor foundation system and Eco Decking flooring made from recycled rice husk composite material that provides thermal insulation.

Shaun Ormbsy, Head of Commercial at owning group Elanor Hotels, said “After seeing an increase in demand for sustainable and immersive travel experiences, we developed Mudgee Retreats at Parklands Resort Mudgee as an alternative option for travellers looking for an authentic glamping experience in the heart of Mudgee.

"Our Retreats are ideally located a stone’s throw away from the historic town centre and close to some of the region’s best wineries and restaurants, so guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of Mudgee and then relax at the end of the day in the ultimate in comfort and sustainability.”

Overnight accommodation at Mudgee Retreats starts from $698 per night and includes a continental breakfast for two people.

For more information see https://parklandsresort.com.au/accommodation

Images: Amber Hooper 

Marriott swoops to sign up Japanese hotels

If you've booked into an independent hotel in Japan for the summer season you might just find yourself staying in a Marriott.

Marriott International has just signed a re-branding deal with Japan’s HMI Hotel Group to convert seven existing HMI properties in five major Japan cities.

The deal will see the hotels rebranded to Marriott Hotels and Courtyard by Marriott properties, Travel Mole reports.

The Marriott Hotels properties rebranded are:

Grand Hotel Hamamastu to Hamamastu Marriott in Naka-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Hotel Heian no Mori Kyoto to Kyoto Marriott in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Hotel Crown Palais Kobe to Kobe Marriott in Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

Rizzan Seapark Hotel Tancha Bay to Okinawa Marriott Rizzan Resort & Spa in Onna Village, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

The properties planned for Courtyard by Marriott are:

Hotel Pearl City Kobe to Courtyard by Marriott Kobe in Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

Hotel Crown Palais Kokura to Courtyard by Marriott Kokura in Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture

Hotel Crown Palais Kitakyushu to Courtyard by Marriott Kitakyushu in Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture

“We are very pleased to welcome these properties to the fast-expanding portfolio of Marriott International properties across Japan,” said Rajeev Menon, president, Asia Pacific excluding China, for Marriott International.

“Conversion continues to drive a robust growth for the company on a global scale.”

The Japanese hotels are located in several of the country’s most popular travel destinations.

Visiting this country? Be very afraid

The US Department of State issues travel advisories for its citizens visiting destinations around the globe.

Its website has several warnings for one particular country that "terrorists have targeted, and could continue to target".

Visitors should "remain vigilant toward their personal security and exercise caution".

They should be "aware that robberies, burglaries, assault, and auto theft are common in larger cities and that foreign visitors in popular tourist areas are targets for pickpockets, purse-snatchers, and petty thieves."

Night-time is particularly dangerous. 

"Be careful when visiting bars or clubs in the entertainment areas of major cities, as “bar brawls” and other assaults sometimes occur. You should watch out for drink spiking when consuming alcohol with unfamiliar people".

Which country are are our trigger happy US "friends and allies" talking about? Australia, of course.

Check out the dangers here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Australia.html

Note: As of March 31, a total of 208 people had been killed and 419 people had been wounded in 125 shootings in the US this year. In Australia there has been one mass killing in 2024, in which seven people died.

Image: Juli Bell, Scop.io