New beginnings..
We have been busy kicking things off since our inaugural tours on the March long weekend – what a ride it has been so far!
Settling into life is difficult, all the wine we need to drink (because research) and eating out at every possible venue in the region (also because research) has made for a tough few months. However as a result, we think we have pretty much got things sussed now and ironed out the last few kinks. In saying that, the job never ends, there are new wineries popping up all the time, new restaurants and now the new vintage wines should start to be released so we are sure to keep busy for a little longer yet.
We visited a few great wineries over the past few weeks in our quest to tick the last few places off our list. We think we have nearly visited 100% of the cellar doors in the region now – it’s only taken a decade! As a result our wine collection has now grown to closer to 600 bottles.. oops! At least we won’t go thirsty during winter and we are helping to feed the local wine economy!
Harley and Gizmo are loving life in Margaret River, Harley had a lump removed a couple of weeks ago but is almost all better now – she’s ready to join us on tour in case anybody requests a Great Dane companion for the day… I don’t like her chances but you never know! Gizmo has had a great time destroying new plants and digging holes – typical. He went on his first ever wine tour the other day by request of the guests – he was absolutely exhausted after it!
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE REGION
There is a myriad of fantastic events coming up in the Margaret River Region with the winter festival Cabin Fever kicking off soon. We are looking forward to going to a few of the events ourselves and will also be offering special private charter services for those who want to go to the wine dinners and don’t want to drive – just get in touch with us for special rates.
Amelia Park Restaurant is now officially open – we are looking forward to checking it out in the coming weeks!
New lunch menu on our Grape Escape Tour at Clairault – we tested it out this week and have to stay it’s pretty delicious – comfort food, open fire and delicious red wine… check out our Instagram for pictures of what is on offer.
We were lucky enough to get an invite to the Vasse Felix Colossal Celebration event – celebrating 50 years in Margaret River & what a day it was. 350 guests each brought a different bottle of wine from their collection to share and there were some amazing wines, some very old wines & some very “interesting” wines. It was a fabulous way to celebrate such an amazing wine region and possibly the best wine party we’ve ever been to!
ACCOMMODATION
We discovered a few new great pet friendly accommodation providers for any fur-parents who are looking at coming down here and want to stay somewhere amazing!
Jarrah Grove Forest Retreat – for beautiful fully self-contained chalets in the middle of the Forest with a spa on the deck and a wood fire – you are surrounded by beautiful forest. It’s about 10 mins drive south of Margaret River right near a few fabulous wineries. There are just 2 chalets here.
Redgate Forest Retreat – just near Witchcliffe and is perfect if you are coming with another couple or with children as there’s 3 bedrooms and a big enclosed yard with a trampoline.
"Sometimes when I reflect back on all the wine I drink I feel shame. Then, I look into the glass and think about the workers in the vineyards and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn't drink this wine, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. Then I say to myself, ‘It is better that I drink this wine and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver.’"
~ Jack Handy
