Visiting Melbourne!

This message is almost too late, because I have been here since the end of January. However, I just re-activated my account here at WLDG and wanted to put it out there that I am in Melbourne until the end of May.

So far, I have been able to visit a number of wineries in:
Mornington Penninsula, Yarra Valley, Nagambie, and elsewhere within a few hours of the city.

Believe it or not, I was in Adelaide for two weeks, but because of other responsabilities, I was unable to visit a single winery! (yes, I feel ashamed!)

I just found out that my wife is actually working almost every day with a Wine Writer, apparently well know to the WLDG crowd, Murray Almond. I've now touched base with Murray and hope to do some tasting with him in short order!

I'll try to post some of the notes on my winery visits so far. I haven't recorded any tasting notes per se, but have a few observations about the wine industry down here (compared to at home, Ontario Canada), and specifically some thoughts on the winery visit tasting experiences here in general.

Anyone else down here in this area, feel free to say hello!!

Regards,

Rick
(Director of Marketing, Ontario Wine Society)
http://www.OntarioWineSociety.com

[Jenise]

Rick, I can personally attest to the taste, generosity and humor of Murray Almond as tour guide and drinking buddy. He's a fabulous fellow, and I'm glad you've made his acquaintance, though of course he will force you to put beets in your hamburger and drink fluids through tiny teddy bears. Do tell him Bob and Jenise say hello, and I look forward to your reports.

Thanks for the info Jenise!

"Gazing into the San Juans" ? Do you mean the the San Juans in Washington state??

Thats one of my favourite parts of this planet! Second only to the Gulf Islands on the Canadian side of course! I was born in, and spent my youth in Vancouver, BC, (but have been exiled to Ontario for the last 34 years). With all of my family still in BC, I come west quite often, and have made many visits in and around Friday Harbour, Roche Harbour, and other ports of call in the Islands.

I am seeing Murray in the morning at a New Zealand "New Release" trade tasting, and will be sure to mention your names!

I have been here since January, and can assure you that I have been able to avoid a hamburger with either beets or an egg in them!

Cheers!

[Jenise]

Rick, that would be the place. I live smack on the Georgia Strait, facing southwest, just a few klicks from the BC border. I have good friends in Vancouver and spend a bit of time up there Haven't spent much time in the islands, but I've just bought a boat and that's going to change. You'll have to hollar some time when you're out west, I get together with a wine gang in Van once or twice a month, and perhaps you can join us.

Rick
A fantastic city Melbourne, hope you're enjoying it.
If you've not been to the botanical gardens yet, I strongly recommend it as a place of rare peace and tranquility. Say hi from me to the turtles in the lake.

Worth getting out to Seppelt and Bests in the 'Great Western' region if you can. Sunbury is nicely in range for an easy day trip. Rutherglen further, but with some unique wines. No doubt Murray would be happy to escort you around Seppelt as he's a huge fan IIRC.

Definitely post your thoughts on the wines & wine regions.

regards

Ian