WINE FLIGHT
TRIP PLANNER
Spring 2024 | Fall 2024
WINE FLIGHT AUSTRALIA
Australia
September 6 - 17, 2016
Optional Post Trip Extension - New Zealand
September 17 - 21, 2016
All Images courtesy from Dragan Radocaj.
Copyright Barossa Grape & Wine Association.
Wine Flight Australia
September 06 - 17, 2016
The diverse wine regions of the great continent of Australia is the destination for our next International wine flight. We plan to include an extended trip down to New Zealand for those intrested in joining us for the "after party".
We are planning a 10 day journey to south Australia from September 6 - 17 2016, with an extension trip September 17 - 21.
Due to the nature of these exclusive trips we have to limit the size of the group to 36 guests [and minimum of 26 guests to qualify the trip.]
To give some idea of direction, we start our journey in Melbourne in the state of Victoria. As always we recommended arriving a day or two earlier to explore the city before starting the wine flight in the Yarra Valley. We head north to McLaren Vale and the famous Barossa regions covering top wineries producing the major varietals predominantly Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Semillon, Pinot noir, Riesling, and Sauvignon blanc. From Adelaide we fly east to Sydney where you will get the opportunity to explore the city. We will have an optional add on to New Zealand visiting the Marlborough Region, northeast of south Island as well Aukland and the surrounding wine regions.
Why Australia? The Australian wine industry is the world's fourth largest exporter of wine with approximately 750 million liters a year to the international export market with only about 40% of production consumed domestically. While we will not likely alter that ratio during our visit bear in mind that the wine industry is a significant contributor to the Australian economy through production, employment, export and tourism.
Wine is produced in every state, with more than 60 designated wine regions totaling approximately 160,000 hectares; however Australia's wine regions are mainly in the southern, cooler parts of the country, and where we will focus our planned visit.
Flight Path :
09/06 Arrive in Melbourne
09/10 Depart Melbourne for Adelaide
09/15 Depart Adelaide for Sydney
09/17 Depart Sydney for USA
Optional Extension:
09/17 Depart Sydney for Auckland
09/19 Depart Auckland for Blenheim
09/21 Depart Blenheim for Auckland
09/21 Depart Auckland for USA
MELBOURNE
Victoria’s coastal capital, is a city of stately 19th-century buildings and tree-lined boulevards. Yet at its centre is the strikingly modern Federation Square development, with plazas, bars, restaurants and cultural events along the Yarra River. In Southbank, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is site of Arts Centre Melbourne – a performing arts complex – and National Gallery of Victoria, displaying Australian and Indigenous art.
YARRA VALLEY (east of Melbourne)
A picture book region of terroir producing great wines, the Yarra Valley is a landscape of boundless beauty. From architectural statements to rustic tin sheds hidden among the vines, the Yarra Valley has a wonderful range of wineries, all reflecting the diversity of styles and approaches in this beautiful, cool-climate region. The Yarra Valley’s wines are dominated by major grape varieties such as the red and white varieties. The red varieties are dominated by Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz. On the other hand, the white varieties are dominated by Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Semillon. The Valley also has a growing reputation of producing high quality sparkling wines. We explore the valley over 3 days to sample the wines and marvel at the harmony of diverse soils, temperate weather, and the dedication of generations of vignerons in the pioneering region that kick-started Victoria's wine industry in 1838.
ADELAIDE
Dubbed Australia’s most liveable city,Adelaide city centre, surrounded by parklands, is a blend of historic buildings, wide streets, parklands, cafes and restaurants. We will use this as our base to explore the McLaren Vale winey Valley.
McLAREN VALE (south of Adelaide)
Best known for Shiraz, the region also excels with Grenache, Cabernet. The regions climatic diversity has helped producers successfully embrace Spanish and Italian varieties such as Fiano, Vermentino, Tempranillo, Mouvedre, Nero d’Avola, Aglianico, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Zinfandel
The unique marriage of a premier wine region and beach lifestyle has created a melting pot for all things culinary, vinous and artistic and as a result world-class chefs choose to live and work in McLaren Vale. Local producers and chefs are blessed with the ideal ingredients that help maintain McLaren Vale’s position as one of Australia’s premier food regions.
BAROSSA (northeast of Adelaide)
From big name bestsellers to boutique wineries, the iconic wine region of south Australia boasts a Mediterranean climate providing cool summers and rainy winters perfectly suited for red wine production, particularly Shiraz and a richly flavoured Cabernet.
Situated within the Barossa region is the Eden Valley, which also boasts a stellar reputation for premium wines. A higher altitude and cooler climate lends itself to Riesling and Chardonnay.
SYDNEY
Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia's largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and Circular Quay are hubs of waterside life, with the towering, arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Gardens nearby. Sydney Tower’s 268m glass viewing platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city, harbour and suburbs.
The AUSTRALIA WINE FLIGHT Package Includes:
o Airport transfers
o All ground transportation
o Group meals which include 10 Breakfasts | 8 Lunches | 9 Dinners
o Accommodations in deluxe rooms or Suites at 5 star hotels .(based on your selection)
o Tours and wine tastings in the Yarra, McLaren Vale and Barossa Valleys.
We would love to share this experience and look forward to hearing from you. If you would like to join us. Click on the "Yes I'm Interested" button.
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Final Itinerary
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Optional Post Trip Extension - New Zealand
September 17 - 21, 2016
New Zealand is a land like no other. New Zealand Wine is an experience like no other. Their special combination of soil, climate and water, innovative pioneering spirit and commitment to quality all come together to ensure a memorable 5 days on this magnifcant Island.
New Zealand extends 1,600km (1000 miles) from sub-tropical Northland (36° S) to the world’s most southerly grape growing region Central Otago (47° S). Vineyards benefit from the moderating effect of the maritime climate (no vineyard is more than 120km, or 80 miles, from the ocean) with long sunshine hours and nights cooled by sea breezes.
New Zealand wine is distinctive for its purity, vibrancy and intensity. The long ripening period - a result of cool temperatures - allows flavour development whilst retaining fresh acidity, a balance for which New Zealand wines are renowned.
We fly into Auckland and for four days exploring Ackland (North Island) , and the Marlborough region (South Island).
AUCKLAND
We arrive on the 17th September and reside at the Sofitel Viaduct Hotel for two nights. The 18th we explore the area around Auckland a enjoy tastings at Kumeu and other to be named. Chardonnay and Merlot are highlights though the range is broad. some larger wineries also source fruit from other regions to keep pace with supply.
MARLBOROUGH
Located at the top of the South Island, Marlborough is New Zealand's largest wine growing region and the home of world-renowned sauvignon blanc. Visits to Loveblock Wines and others to be advised.
The NEW ZEALAND Package Includes:
o Airport transfers
o All ground transportation
o Group meals which include 4 Breakfasts | 3 Lunches | 3 Dinners
o Accommodations in deluxe rooms or Suites at luxury hotels . (based on your selection)
o Tours, excursions and wine tastings in the Auckland and Marlborough Wine Region.
Terms and Conditions:
Above package prices exclude air flights and trip insurance.
Minimum Guest count of 10 must be achieved to guarantee the trip departure.
*Prices include a 4 percent check payment discount.
We would love to share this experience and look forward to hearing from you. If you would like to join us. Click on the "Yes add my name" button.
We would be thrilled if you can join us on this exciting adventure!
