McLaren Vale is a country area located 40 km from the capital of South Australia, Adelaide. It is one of the continent's most well-known wine regions and, from the 76 cellars, come several of the world's finest wines. Visitors will be impressed by the passion and energy of the local community.
This area has a Mediterranean climate which means you will find four definite seasons. Winter is cool and rainy, summer is warm and dry, autumn is glorious and calm, and spring is beautiful and fresh. Frost and droughts are very rare, as a result farming ventures are prosperous. A lot of the rain comes in winter when ominous black storms roll in from the sea and cover the hills with clouds.
The Vale serves as a portal to Fleurieu Peninsula that's a tourist haven. Here, you're offered many attractions, pleasant beaches, natural flora, unique wildlife, and fresh produce like you have never tasted. For those who enjoy diving or snorkeling, the peninsula can be a paradise with fantastic marine life, the famous Leafy Seadragon (a seahorse species) and old shipwrecks. You can even taste a number of Australia's most renowned wines. Three worth mentioning are a black Shiraz, a rich Cabernet Sauvignon, and a smooth Grenache.
Getting to McLaren Vale and the peninsula is easy. Using the freeway from Adelaide, a car trip takes about 40 minutes. Those who prefer a scenic drive can go via Clarendon and still get there in less than an hour. This makes it an easy day trip, a Sunday lunch on the coast, or a perfect weekend of relaxation.
The locals are fanatical about the food, wine, and culture in the region. However, what they are most proud of is their hospitality. Stay here and wake in the morning to a hearty breakfast while looking over the vineyards or watch the waves rolling in. Learn about art and history and see where some of the world's finest produce is grown. The locals will suggest the best attractions like museums, galleries, outdoor trails, and even where you can be served the perfect coffee.
When you visit McLaren Vale, there are a few definite musts. For instance, take an early morning walk in the Onkaparinga Gorge and see wildlife in an untouched environment while strolling through native bushland. Eat out at one of the various restaurants and enjoy one or two glasses of the best local wine. All chefs use local produce to ensure a excellent dining experience.
http://www.bellevuebnb.com.au
Monday 27 December 2010
Thursday 4 November 2010
THE battle for two of South Australia's iconic wine regions is heating up.
There was a tractor protest against a housing development at McLaren Vale yesterday and full-page advertisements against a proposed highway bypass in the Coonawarra appeared in weekend newspapers.
Winemakers are up in arms over the proposed developments, saying they will swallow valuable land for growing vines and could damage tourism in the area.
Yesterday a convoy of about 150 tractors and cars travelled through McLaren Vale, about 40km south of the centre of Adelaide, protesting against plans to build 1170 homes on 77ha of land on the edge of the world-renowned wine region.
Chalk Hill winemaker Jock Harvey said a recent geological survey found the land was on "some of the most spectacular geology for viticulture in the world".
He also said the development site at Seaford Heights was a gateway to an area with economic and tourism value estimated at $940 million a year.
"And that's put in jeopardy by taking what is the last green buffer between suburbia and the McLaren Vale wine region and covering it with housing," he said.
Protest organiser Laura Jackson, who works in the wine industry and lives in McLaren Vale, said there was no need for more housing in the area. "We've got investment properties lying empty and people won't rent them," she said.
Mr Harvey said Planning Minister Paul Holloway could rezone the land to rural "if he wants", and called for a moratorium on the development until a development plan for the region was finalised.
But Mr Holloway said the fate of Seaford Heights was sealed 20 years ago when it was earmarked for development.
"Even if the decision had not been made 20 years ago to zone this land residential, it would still be very difficult to justify agricultural activities on that particular 77ha, given that it is adjacent to existing housing," he said.
"The long-held expectation that this land would be developed for housing also informed the decision to invest $291m on extending the Noarlunga rail line to Seaford."
Meanwhile Treasury Wine Estates, part of the Foster's Group, has published advertisements about a proposed highway bypass through the Coonawarra wine district, in the state's southeast, famed for its cabernet sauvignons.
Published in The Australian
November 01, 2010
Winemakers are up in arms over the proposed developments, saying they will swallow valuable land for growing vines and could damage tourism in the area.
Yesterday a convoy of about 150 tractors and cars travelled through McLaren Vale, about 40km south of the centre of Adelaide, protesting against plans to build 1170 homes on 77ha of land on the edge of the world-renowned wine region.
Chalk Hill winemaker Jock Harvey said a recent geological survey found the land was on "some of the most spectacular geology for viticulture in the world".
He also said the development site at Seaford Heights was a gateway to an area with economic and tourism value estimated at $940 million a year.
"And that's put in jeopardy by taking what is the last green buffer between suburbia and the McLaren Vale wine region and covering it with housing," he said.
Protest organiser Laura Jackson, who works in the wine industry and lives in McLaren Vale, said there was no need for more housing in the area. "We've got investment properties lying empty and people won't rent them," she said.
Mr Harvey said Planning Minister Paul Holloway could rezone the land to rural "if he wants", and called for a moratorium on the development until a development plan for the region was finalised.
But Mr Holloway said the fate of Seaford Heights was sealed 20 years ago when it was earmarked for development.
"Even if the decision had not been made 20 years ago to zone this land residential, it would still be very difficult to justify agricultural activities on that particular 77ha, given that it is adjacent to existing housing," he said.
"The long-held expectation that this land would be developed for housing also informed the decision to invest $291m on extending the Noarlunga rail line to Seaford."
Meanwhile Treasury Wine Estates, part of the Foster's Group, has published advertisements about a proposed highway bypass through the Coonawarra wine district, in the state's southeast, famed for its cabernet sauvignons.
Published in The Australian
November 01, 2010
Famed SA wine region fights new suburb
There was not a sour grape in sight - but there were plenty of bitter and angry winemakers and grape growers gathered on the McLaren Vale sporting oval on Sunday.
Several hundred local residents of the internationally renowned wine region converged on the oval with their farming equipment - predominantly tractors - to protest a planned new suburb at the entrance to the tourism drawcard.
Dudley Brown, chairman of the McLaren Vale Grape, Wine and Tourism Association, said the community-organised event was aimed at letting the government know residents were "completely fed up with inappropriate and unsympathetic development".
Advertisement: Story continues below
The state government says the Seaford Heights development - which will inevitably proceed, is a distance from the wine region and would include appropriate buffers and screens, while locals say it will damage the ambience of the area and impact on farming activities, with several vineyards sharing boundaries with the development.
A spokesman for Minister for Urban Development and Planning Paul Holloway said the parcel of land had been zoned residential for the past 20 years and Mr Holloway was currently only considering updating that zoning to include supporting infrastructure for a new suburb.
"The land in question might be the most valuable undeveloped vineyard land in the world and we don't want to se it developed into gutter-to-gutter housing," Mr Brown told AAP.
"We think it will have an enormous impact on the industry because the industry is increasingly reliant on tourism and this land is the gateway to the second biggest tourism region in the state."
Paxton Wines owner David Paxton, who drove his 30-year-old tractor in the convoy, said the government was showing a "complete lack of sensibility" about the land, which borders his own property.
He said ultimately such a development would negatively impact the wine industry, as suburbia moved closer and closer to once rural land.
"It's just bracket creep if you like," Mr Paxton said.
"They're getting closer and closer and ultimately the developers will wear down councils and governments - God knows how they do it."
He said building housing estates next to farming areas always presented problems, with everything from bird scarers to people spraying and picking grapes at night.
John Harvey, whose family owns the Chalk Hill winery, also participated in the protest and said residential developments and farming practices did not mix.
"There are a lot of people that don't understand farming," he said.
"They are fearful of what we're doing - without justification - but there's some hysteria so that can cause problems for your general operation."
Peter Dawson, former chief wine maker with Hardys and current chairman of the Australian Wine Research Institute, said other famed wine regions of the world wouldn't even allow construction of a tin shed because they placed such a high value on the regional contributions.
"McLaren Vale has established itself as a world-class wine region and it has demonstrated it's ability to produce world-class wines and I think the integrity of the region should be preserved," he said.
Several hundred McLaren Vale locals and dozens of tractors made the slow journey of some 5km from the oval to Paxton Wines, where they spent the afternoon enjoying some of the famed local beverages and free entertainment.
Published in the Sydney Morning Herald
Nhada Larkin
October 31, 2010
Several hundred local residents of the internationally renowned wine region converged on the oval with their farming equipment - predominantly tractors - to protest a planned new suburb at the entrance to the tourism drawcard.
Dudley Brown, chairman of the McLaren Vale Grape, Wine and Tourism Association, said the community-organised event was aimed at letting the government know residents were "completely fed up with inappropriate and unsympathetic development".
Advertisement: Story continues below
The state government says the Seaford Heights development - which will inevitably proceed, is a distance from the wine region and would include appropriate buffers and screens, while locals say it will damage the ambience of the area and impact on farming activities, with several vineyards sharing boundaries with the development.
A spokesman for Minister for Urban Development and Planning Paul Holloway said the parcel of land had been zoned residential for the past 20 years and Mr Holloway was currently only considering updating that zoning to include supporting infrastructure for a new suburb.
"The land in question might be the most valuable undeveloped vineyard land in the world and we don't want to se it developed into gutter-to-gutter housing," Mr Brown told AAP.
"We think it will have an enormous impact on the industry because the industry is increasingly reliant on tourism and this land is the gateway to the second biggest tourism region in the state."
Paxton Wines owner David Paxton, who drove his 30-year-old tractor in the convoy, said the government was showing a "complete lack of sensibility" about the land, which borders his own property.
He said ultimately such a development would negatively impact the wine industry, as suburbia moved closer and closer to once rural land.
"It's just bracket creep if you like," Mr Paxton said.
"They're getting closer and closer and ultimately the developers will wear down councils and governments - God knows how they do it."
He said building housing estates next to farming areas always presented problems, with everything from bird scarers to people spraying and picking grapes at night.
John Harvey, whose family owns the Chalk Hill winery, also participated in the protest and said residential developments and farming practices did not mix.
"There are a lot of people that don't understand farming," he said.
"They are fearful of what we're doing - without justification - but there's some hysteria so that can cause problems for your general operation."
Peter Dawson, former chief wine maker with Hardys and current chairman of the Australian Wine Research Institute, said other famed wine regions of the world wouldn't even allow construction of a tin shed because they placed such a high value on the regional contributions.
"McLaren Vale has established itself as a world-class wine region and it has demonstrated it's ability to produce world-class wines and I think the integrity of the region should be preserved," he said.
Several hundred McLaren Vale locals and dozens of tractors made the slow journey of some 5km from the oval to Paxton Wines, where they spent the afternoon enjoying some of the famed local beverages and free entertainment.
Published in the Sydney Morning Herald
Nhada Larkin
October 31, 2010
Friday 1 October 2010
McLaren Vales says c'mon down, Oprah!
MCLAREN Vale winemakers and tourism operators are hoping their world-class red wines, great coastline and delicious local produce will be enough to lure Oprah Winfrey to the region.
The US talk show queen last week announced she would come on an eight-day Ultimate Australian Adventure, with 300 audience members, in December.
During the trip, Oprah will visit some of the country’s tourism hotspots to film two episodes for the Oprah Winfrey Show,, which will air in the US early next year. They will then be screened across the globe in 145 countries.
McLaren Vale Grape, Wine and Tourism Association marketing manager Elizabeth Tasker said attracting a visitor of Oprah’s status would encourage more people to experience the region’s “beautiful scenery, friendly people and great food and wine”.
She said Oprah had a reputation for recognising “something of value that will be the next big thing”.
“She will find this in McLaren Vale,” Ms Tasker said. “McLaren Vale has all that we love and want to share about Australia.”
The SA Tourism Commission (SATC) is working with Tourism Australia to have SA - including McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Peninsula - included in the program.
Chapel Hill winemaker Michael Fragos said Oprah’s talk show was “very influential” and would give McLaren Vale invaluable exposure on the world stage: “I hope that the wine, the food and the beaches in our region are alluring enough for Oprah,” he said.
McLaren Vale Studio Apartments owner Roz Vertigan said attracting Oprah to the region would give McLaren Vale the international exposure “we’re really looking for”.
SATC executive general marketing and sales manager Steven Kernaghan said the show’s itinerary was still in the planning stage.
“The final decision regarding which regions of Australia Oprah visits or features during her trip will be made by her production company,” Mr Kernaghan said.
Oprah announced the trip to her Chicago audience during the first show of her farewell season on Tuesday, September 14.
www.bellevuebnb.com.au
The US talk show queen last week announced she would come on an eight-day Ultimate Australian Adventure, with 300 audience members, in December.
During the trip, Oprah will visit some of the country’s tourism hotspots to film two episodes for the Oprah Winfrey Show,, which will air in the US early next year. They will then be screened across the globe in 145 countries.
McLaren Vale Grape, Wine and Tourism Association marketing manager Elizabeth Tasker said attracting a visitor of Oprah’s status would encourage more people to experience the region’s “beautiful scenery, friendly people and great food and wine”.
She said Oprah had a reputation for recognising “something of value that will be the next big thing”.
“She will find this in McLaren Vale,” Ms Tasker said. “McLaren Vale has all that we love and want to share about Australia.”
The SA Tourism Commission (SATC) is working with Tourism Australia to have SA - including McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Peninsula - included in the program.
Chapel Hill winemaker Michael Fragos said Oprah’s talk show was “very influential” and would give McLaren Vale invaluable exposure on the world stage: “I hope that the wine, the food and the beaches in our region are alluring enough for Oprah,” he said.
McLaren Vale Studio Apartments owner Roz Vertigan said attracting Oprah to the region would give McLaren Vale the international exposure “we’re really looking for”.
SATC executive general marketing and sales manager Steven Kernaghan said the show’s itinerary was still in the planning stage.
“The final decision regarding which regions of Australia Oprah visits or features during her trip will be made by her production company,” Mr Kernaghan said.
Oprah announced the trip to her Chicago audience during the first show of her farewell season on Tuesday, September 14.
www.bellevuebnb.com.au
Wednesday 4 August 2010
Win tickets to see "Simply Red"
Win one of 10 double passes and a merchandise pack to see Simply Red play a farewell concert at A Day On The Green at Leconfield Wines, McLaren Vale on Sunday, October 10.
Roundhouse Entertainment and Michael Coppel Presents is pleased to announce Simply Reds legions of Australian fans will have the opportunity to say a final goodbye when the bands Farewell World Tour reaches Australia this October.
Simply Red will play their very last concerts here as a series of indoor shows and a day on the green winery events nationally. Very special guest on the tour will be Australia’s favourite Queen of Soul and disco diva Marcia Hines.
Simply Red’s classic pop and elegant ballads have provided an uplifting and emotional soundtrack to our turbulent times. The band is saying their farewells all over the world this year after what has been a remarkable 25 years.
Question
What winery is Simply Red playing at for A Day On The Green?
Click here to enter your answer:
To book accommodation visit us: www.bellevuebnb.com.au
Tuesday 27 July 2010
Dining Excellence Acknowledged by Industry
The Annual Awards for Excellence for Restaurant and Catering SA was held last night at the Adelaide Convention Center.
1100 guests ate, drank and danced the night away and celebrated the high quality restaurants and hospitality professionals in South Australia.
Congratulations to all especially The Kitchen Door @ Penny Hill Winery who took home the award for “Best restaurant in a Winery”.
www.bellevuebnb.com.au
1100 guests ate, drank and danced the night away and celebrated the high quality restaurants and hospitality professionals in South Australia.
Congratulations to all especially The Kitchen Door @ Penny Hill Winery who took home the award for “Best restaurant in a Winery”.
www.bellevuebnb.com.au
Sunday 25 July 2010
Qantas next generation check-in
QANTAS has unveiled its next generation check-in system which promises to provide passengers with a five-second check-in and electronic bags tags to keep track of their luggage.
This should make it much easier for our interstate and international guests!
Bellevue Bed & Breakfast
This should make it much easier for our interstate and international guests!
Bellevue Bed & Breakfast
Thursday 22 July 2010
Delicious Produce Awards 2010
The winners of the prestigious Delicious Produce Awards 2010 were announced in Melbourne Monday night.
The regional award for Australia was awarded to McLaren Vale because of regions mix of outstanding wineries and restaurants, great produce and a stunning coastline.
South Australia's McLaren Vale was a natural choice as this year’s winner.
www.bellevuebnb.com.au
The regional award for Australia was awarded to McLaren Vale because of regions mix of outstanding wineries and restaurants, great produce and a stunning coastline.
South Australia's McLaren Vale was a natural choice as this year’s winner.
www.bellevuebnb.com.au
Friday 2 July 2010
Tour Down Under
Round one of the UCI ProTour, the 2011 Santos Tour Down Under, was presented today in Adelaide, with a slightly shortened route and a management team confident its biggest draw card in recent years, Lance Armstrong, may be back to compete.
Boasting the slogan, "See the real superheroes" the 2011 edition, to be held January 18-23, covers 758km which represents a slight decrease in overall distance compared to this year's edition (795.5km) but it retains the much-loved Old Willunga Hill on the race's penultimate day.
Stage 5 - January 22: McLaren Vale - Willunga, 131km.
I am sure you will all be delighted to hear that McLaren Vale has secured the Start of Stage 5. Additionally, we again have the tour coming through McLaren Vale and McLaren Flat during Stage 3.
www.bellevuebnb.com.au
Boasting the slogan, "See the real superheroes" the 2011 edition, to be held January 18-23, covers 758km which represents a slight decrease in overall distance compared to this year's edition (795.5km) but it retains the much-loved Old Willunga Hill on the race's penultimate day.
Stage 5 - January 22: McLaren Vale - Willunga, 131km.
I am sure you will all be delighted to hear that McLaren Vale has secured the Start of Stage 5. Additionally, we again have the tour coming through McLaren Vale and McLaren Flat during Stage 3.
www.bellevuebnb.com.au
Tuesday 22 June 2010
The Fleurieu Biennale
A POPULAR landscape art competition will be used as a new marketing tool to promote the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Peninsula region.
The Fleurieu Biennale, which awards $50,000 to the major prize winner, has changed its name to the Fleurieu Art Prize and will be held every two years from 2011.
Fleurieu Art Prize board member Marc Allgrove said the event “arguably the world’s richest landscape art prize” promoted the arts, as well as food, wine and tourism.
“We want it to be the most sought after art prize in the world,” said Mr Allgrove, who is chief executive at Chapel Hill winery. “It has the potential to be South Australia’s Archibald Prize an event that national and international artists seek to enter and seek to win.”
The event, started in 1998 by local identities David Dridan, Tony Parkinson and the late Greg Trott, also has four minor categories including Vistas, Water, Food and Wine, and Youth Scholarship, which carry $10,000 in prize money for each winner.
Mr Allgrove said the board, chaired by Libby Raupach, hoped to use the art event as leverage to increase visitors to the region. A Symposium with renowned landscape artists will be held on October 23, with one day painting competitions held on November 13 and 20, as a prelude to the main event in November 2011
Details at http://www.artprize.com.au
The Fleurieu Biennale, which awards $50,000 to the major prize winner, has changed its name to the Fleurieu Art Prize and will be held every two years from 2011.
Fleurieu Art Prize board member Marc Allgrove said the event “arguably the world’s richest landscape art prize” promoted the arts, as well as food, wine and tourism.
“We want it to be the most sought after art prize in the world,” said Mr Allgrove, who is chief executive at Chapel Hill winery. “It has the potential to be South Australia’s Archibald Prize an event that national and international artists seek to enter and seek to win.”
The event, started in 1998 by local identities David Dridan, Tony Parkinson and the late Greg Trott, also has four minor categories including Vistas, Water, Food and Wine, and Youth Scholarship, which carry $10,000 in prize money for each winner.
Mr Allgrove said the board, chaired by Libby Raupach, hoped to use the art event as leverage to increase visitors to the region. A Symposium with renowned landscape artists will be held on October 23, with one day painting competitions held on November 13 and 20, as a prelude to the main event in November 2011
Details at http://www.artprize.com.au
Wednesday 16 June 2010
Monday at the Sea & Vines
Our guests had left early on the Monday morning of the Sea & Vines so we had plenty of time to clean up and head out for the day.
Well, we booked our tickets online and joined the guys from MVBeer in the marquee next to the Salopian Inn. We enjoyed a MVBeer and a Hills Cider while they served up a seafood extravaganza. DJ Tyson Tightpants was playing some retro disco grooves.
This was only to kill time before our main event of the day, a full on gourmet experience, inside the Inn. It consisted of a 6 course degustation long lunch with Gemtree Wines coming on board to round off the experience with their biodynamically produced McLaren Vale wines.
A six course degustation lunch menu hosted by Mike Brown, Head Winemaker of Gemtree Wines.
On arrival enjoy Vale Ale with
- Freshly shucked oysters
- Pastry wrapped anchovies
- Octopus, green olive tapenade, crisp pancetta
This will be followed by:
- Gulf of St. Vincent baby squid stuffed,
- Gemtree grape sample verjuice butter
- 2009/2010 Moonstone Savagnin
- K.I. crayfish tail, asparagus, poached egg, truffle cream sauce
- 2008 Luna Roja Tempranillo
- Roast Berkshire suckling pig, wild fennel seed,apple, abalone salad
- 2001 Uncut Shiraz & 2008 Uncut Shiraz
- Gemtree lamb cooked 3 ways, zucchini flowers, ratatouillie
- 2007 White lees Shiraz
- Australian, imported Cheeses
- 2007 Obsidian Shiraz
Tuesday 25 May 2010
McLaren Vale - Sea & Vines
THOUSANDS of local and interstate visitors are expected at McLaren Vale next month, to indulge in the region’s best food and wine at the Sea and Vines Festival.
For the first time in the event’s 18 year-history, visitors need to book their tickets in advance for the two-day festival on Sunday, June 13, and Monday, June 14.
McLaren Vale Grape, Wine and Tourism Association marketing manager Elizabeth Tasker said the new format would “improve the experience” for all festival-goers.
“The growing popularity of the event has spurred the changes because in the past venues have been limited in their capacity,” she said.
The 2008 event was marred by the arrest of 18 people for alcohol-related offences, including assault and abusive language, at wineries and the Hotel McLaren.
Six people were arrested at last year’s event, with four reported for drink driving.
Ms Tasker said the 27 wineries and restaurants involved up from 22 the previous year would be better prepared with catering and security because they would know exactly how many people to expect on both days. Visitors without a ticket will be refused entry. Chalk Hill manager Tom Harvey said the new format would give attendees the chance to have a “premium” festival experience.
Settlement Wines general manager Ellen Smith said it would be the first time the event had been held at the winery’s new home on Seaview Rd.
“It’s going to be a really relaxed vibe,” she said. “We’ll have some good wines on offer and we make our own wood oven pizzas.”
Attendees pay a $20 booking fee, which allows them to secure their spot at different venues across four time slots 9am to 11am, 11am to 1pm, 1pm to 3pm and 3pm to 5pm.
Tickets for Tapestry, Wirra Wirra, Woodstock, Coriole, Maxwell, d’Arenberg, Chalk Hill and Paxton are close to selling out on Sunday; bookings are still open for all wineries on the Monday.
The booking fee includes a Riedel wine glass, the first pour of wine and a tree, which will be planted in McLaren Vale by Greening Australia volunteers.
www.bellevuebnb.com.au
For the first time in the event’s 18 year-history, visitors need to book their tickets in advance for the two-day festival on Sunday, June 13, and Monday, June 14.
McLaren Vale Grape, Wine and Tourism Association marketing manager Elizabeth Tasker said the new format would “improve the experience” for all festival-goers.
“The growing popularity of the event has spurred the changes because in the past venues have been limited in their capacity,” she said.
The 2008 event was marred by the arrest of 18 people for alcohol-related offences, including assault and abusive language, at wineries and the Hotel McLaren.
Six people were arrested at last year’s event, with four reported for drink driving.
Ms Tasker said the 27 wineries and restaurants involved up from 22 the previous year would be better prepared with catering and security because they would know exactly how many people to expect on both days. Visitors without a ticket will be refused entry. Chalk Hill manager Tom Harvey said the new format would give attendees the chance to have a “premium” festival experience.
Settlement Wines general manager Ellen Smith said it would be the first time the event had been held at the winery’s new home on Seaview Rd.
“It’s going to be a really relaxed vibe,” she said. “We’ll have some good wines on offer and we make our own wood oven pizzas.”
Attendees pay a $20 booking fee, which allows them to secure their spot at different venues across four time slots 9am to 11am, 11am to 1pm, 1pm to 3pm and 3pm to 5pm.
Tickets for Tapestry, Wirra Wirra, Woodstock, Coriole, Maxwell, d’Arenberg, Chalk Hill and Paxton are close to selling out on Sunday; bookings are still open for all wineries on the Monday.
The booking fee includes a Riedel wine glass, the first pour of wine and a tree, which will be planted in McLaren Vale by Greening Australia volunteers.
www.bellevuebnb.com.au
Friday 21 May 2010
Fleurieu Way Drives Tourism via iphone Technology
South Australia continues to use clever technology to reach an ever growing number of tech-savvy visitors to the State with the release of a third tourism iPhone „app‟ this year, the free Fleurieu Way Guided GPS Tour 'app'.
The Fleurieu Way Guided GPS Tour „app‟ follows the traditional Fleurieu Way Touring Route – a popular 235 kilometre regional driving route that takes in the highlights of the region.
South Australian Tourism Commission Executive General Manager Sales and Marketing, Steve Kernaghan, said the „app‟, which is now live and available from the iTunes Store, has been supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) as part of its ongoing support to develop new consumer initiatives.
“This is the third tourism „app‟ we‟ve developed in the past four months which makes use of increasingly popular smart phone technology to help enhance visitors experiences while in South Australia via the connectivity of iPhone devices,” Mr Kernaghan said.
“This newest „app‟ makes use of the inbuilt GPS system in the visitor‟s iPhone to guide them through the Fleurieu Peninsula with audio narrative at points at points of interest, and further details including written descriptions, images and contact information.
“The tour gives a local‟s perspective on the Fleurieu Peninsula and the 99 points of interest including townships, wineries, national parks, visitor information centres and accommodation properties, by „Annabelle‟, who will provide informative commentary.
“The „app‟ also plugs perfectly into social media, allowing users to post recommendations directly from their iPhones to Twitter and Facebook, further spreading the South Australian tourism message.”
The release of the Fleurieu Way Guided GPS Tour „app‟ builds on the popularity of the free iPhone „app‟ developed for this year‟s Santos Tour Down Under event, plus the Adelaide City GPS and Audio Tour iPhone „app‟, launched in February this year.
During the event, the Santos Tour Down Under „app‟ was downloaded by more than 11,000 users and was ranked second in the free sports category in the Apple iTunes Store during that month.
The Adelaide City GPS and Audio Tour iPhone „app‟ has been downloaded by more than 7,300 users (more 5,000 downloads occurring within the first month of release), and reached a top five ranking in the free travel category of the Apple iTunes Store in February.
http://www.bellevuebnb.com.au
The Fleurieu Way Guided GPS Tour „app‟ follows the traditional Fleurieu Way Touring Route – a popular 235 kilometre regional driving route that takes in the highlights of the region.
South Australian Tourism Commission Executive General Manager Sales and Marketing, Steve Kernaghan, said the „app‟, which is now live and available from the iTunes Store, has been supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) as part of its ongoing support to develop new consumer initiatives.
“This is the third tourism „app‟ we‟ve developed in the past four months which makes use of increasingly popular smart phone technology to help enhance visitors experiences while in South Australia via the connectivity of iPhone devices,” Mr Kernaghan said.
“This newest „app‟ makes use of the inbuilt GPS system in the visitor‟s iPhone to guide them through the Fleurieu Peninsula with audio narrative at points at points of interest, and further details including written descriptions, images and contact information.
“The tour gives a local‟s perspective on the Fleurieu Peninsula and the 99 points of interest including townships, wineries, national parks, visitor information centres and accommodation properties, by „Annabelle‟, who will provide informative commentary.
“The „app‟ also plugs perfectly into social media, allowing users to post recommendations directly from their iPhones to Twitter and Facebook, further spreading the South Australian tourism message.”
The release of the Fleurieu Way Guided GPS Tour „app‟ builds on the popularity of the free iPhone „app‟ developed for this year‟s Santos Tour Down Under event, plus the Adelaide City GPS and Audio Tour iPhone „app‟, launched in February this year.
During the event, the Santos Tour Down Under „app‟ was downloaded by more than 11,000 users and was ranked second in the free sports category in the Apple iTunes Store during that month.
The Adelaide City GPS and Audio Tour iPhone „app‟ has been downloaded by more than 7,300 users (more 5,000 downloads occurring within the first month of release), and reached a top five ranking in the free travel category of the Apple iTunes Store in February.
http://www.bellevuebnb.com.au
Wine and Spirits / Fine wines with amusing names
Few wineries bring a smile to the face like Australia's d'Arenberg, for a couple of reasons. First, many d'Arenberg wines are very good and have surprisingly low prices for their often very high quality.
Second, there are the names of the wines themselves - Footbolt, Peppermint Paddock, Stump Jump, Dead Arm, The Custodian, The Laughing Magpie, Ironstone Pressings.
Those who live near the township of McLaren Vale may nothing odd about these names since each one is a real name of a place, a road, or some historic event that happened in or near the town.
There's nothing laughable about this serious winery either. D'Arenberg was established in 1927 and its wines were well accepted in Australia from the start. By the 1960s they had attained cult status and were getting rave reviews from European and North American critics.
By Daniel Rogov
Second, there are the names of the wines themselves - Footbolt, Peppermint Paddock, Stump Jump, Dead Arm, The Custodian, The Laughing Magpie, Ironstone Pressings.
Those who live near the township of McLaren Vale may nothing odd about these names since each one is a real name of a place, a road, or some historic event that happened in or near the town.
There's nothing laughable about this serious winery either. D'Arenberg was established in 1927 and its wines were well accepted in Australia from the start. By the 1960s they had attained cult status and were getting rave reviews from European and North American critics.
By Daniel Rogov
Wednesday 14 April 2010
Australia’s Greatest Gourmet Experiences
Primo Estate
McLaren Vale’s own Primo Estate cellar door on McMurtrie Road has won a place alongside internationally renowned restaurants Tetsuya, Guillame at Benelong and Rockpool in Australian Traveller’s 100 Gourmet Experiences. The only cellar door to win a place on the definitive listing of foodie icons Primo was ranked 26th in the country (ahead of some very famous restaurants, producers and stores).
Judged by an expert panel including Matt Moran of Sydney’s world renowned Aria restaurant and SA’s own Maggie Beer the list says ‘When award-winning winery Primo Estate opens its doors to the public for wine and cheese tastings, you know the experience is going to be good. The McLaren Vale Cellar Door and Tasting Room is set up purely for culinary enjoyment.’
Primo Estate’s ultra modern Italian style cellar door opened to rave reviews in 2006 and offers tastings of the Primo Estate range alongside the more luxurious JOSEPH Experience where guests can enjoy a flight of limited release JOSEPH wines served with bread, cheese and JOSEPH olive oil.
Visit www.primoestate.com.au to plan your visit to one of Australia’s Greatest Gourmet Experiences.
www.bellevuebnb.com.au
McLaren Vale’s own Primo Estate cellar door on McMurtrie Road has won a place alongside internationally renowned restaurants Tetsuya, Guillame at Benelong and Rockpool in Australian Traveller’s 100 Gourmet Experiences. The only cellar door to win a place on the definitive listing of foodie icons Primo was ranked 26th in the country (ahead of some very famous restaurants, producers and stores).
Judged by an expert panel including Matt Moran of Sydney’s world renowned Aria restaurant and SA’s own Maggie Beer the list says ‘When award-winning winery Primo Estate opens its doors to the public for wine and cheese tastings, you know the experience is going to be good. The McLaren Vale Cellar Door and Tasting Room is set up purely for culinary enjoyment.’
Primo Estate’s ultra modern Italian style cellar door opened to rave reviews in 2006 and offers tastings of the Primo Estate range alongside the more luxurious JOSEPH Experience where guests can enjoy a flight of limited release JOSEPH wines served with bread, cheese and JOSEPH olive oil.
Visit www.primoestate.com.au to plan your visit to one of Australia’s Greatest Gourmet Experiences.
www.bellevuebnb.com.au
McLaren Vale VINTAGE & CLASSIC DAY
The 5th Vintage & Classic Day, showcasing MG, Triumph, Mustangs and many more classic cars, will commence with a spectacular parade down the Main Road of McLaren Vale this Sunday at 11.30am. Team Adelaide Biplanes will be flying directly over the Main Street parade.
The cars will then disperse to participating wineries for display from 12.30pm until 3.00pm.
Fox Creek, Paxton Wines, Rosemount, Oxenberry, Penny’s Hill, McLarens on the Lake, Shingleback, Lazy Ballerina, Foggo Wines, Parri Estate and Leconfield are all participating, as is the McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Visitor Information Centre.
For all the information on where the cars will be displayed, or if you are interested in participating, please go to www.vintageandclassic.com.au
www.bellevuebnb.com.au
The cars will then disperse to participating wineries for display from 12.30pm until 3.00pm.
Fox Creek, Paxton Wines, Rosemount, Oxenberry, Penny’s Hill, McLarens on the Lake, Shingleback, Lazy Ballerina, Foggo Wines, Parri Estate and Leconfield are all participating, as is the McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Visitor Information Centre.
For all the information on where the cars will be displayed, or if you are interested in participating, please go to www.vintageandclassic.com.au
www.bellevuebnb.com.au
Success brewing in McLaren Vale
HE McLaren Vale Beer Company is proving there’s a lot more to the Vale than just good wine.
The company, which produces Vale Ale, is set to export to Asia in the coming months, move into its own McLaren Vale brewery and release a new cider-based product.
Chief executive Adam Trippe-Smith said Vale Ale now was poured on tap at 25 venues across Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, having started out at just two in 2008.
“It’s really taking off,” Mr Trippe-Smith said.
“McLaren Vale is such a great region, with the vines and the beaches, it was surprising that it never had any beer.”
He said he had signed a lease for a brewery in Willunga to be named in the coming weeks which he hoped would be up and running in about six months.
“We started out using a contract brewery to make our products because we couldn’t afford to invest in our own.
“When the new brewery is ready we’ll be able to launch our next product.” In December last year, Mr Trippe-Smith bought and renovated the Salopian Inn, on McMurtrie Rd, which he hopes will be the “centrepiece” of the company.
“It’s an icon it just needed a bit of love.
“We’ve got a great beer and a great restaurant coming together as a whole package.”
He said Vale Ale’s two silver medals at the recent Sydney Royal Beer Competition, was a “huge achievement given we’re only 20 months old”.
(thanks to Southern Times Messenger)
www.bellevuebnb.com.au
The company, which produces Vale Ale, is set to export to Asia in the coming months, move into its own McLaren Vale brewery and release a new cider-based product.
Chief executive Adam Trippe-Smith said Vale Ale now was poured on tap at 25 venues across Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, having started out at just two in 2008.
“It’s really taking off,” Mr Trippe-Smith said.
“McLaren Vale is such a great region, with the vines and the beaches, it was surprising that it never had any beer.”
He said he had signed a lease for a brewery in Willunga to be named in the coming weeks which he hoped would be up and running in about six months.
“We started out using a contract brewery to make our products because we couldn’t afford to invest in our own.
“When the new brewery is ready we’ll be able to launch our next product.” In December last year, Mr Trippe-Smith bought and renovated the Salopian Inn, on McMurtrie Rd, which he hopes will be the “centrepiece” of the company.
“It’s an icon it just needed a bit of love.
“We’ve got a great beer and a great restaurant coming together as a whole package.”
He said Vale Ale’s two silver medals at the recent Sydney Royal Beer Competition, was a “huge achievement given we’re only 20 months old”.
(thanks to Southern Times Messenger)
www.bellevuebnb.com.au
Friday 26 March 2010
Sea & Vines
ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, 11th March 2010 – My Booking Manager, a leading online event registration management system, announced today that it has been selected by the McLaren Vale Grape, Wine & Tourism Association for the provision of online bookings for the annual BankSA Sea & Vines Festivals to be held in June.
The BankSA Sea & Vines Festival devotes a weekend to indulging in seafood delights and soaking up the music and beautiful scenery of McLaren Vale.
Less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide, the festival offers the perfect opportunity to discover new wineries or return to an old favourite and enjoy the long weekend festivities with friends and family. For more information about the BankSA Sea & Vines Festival, please visit www.mclarenvale.info
My Booking Manager will be used to manage online bookings for 3 categories of participation, Experience, Relish and Delight. In a significant shift from past years, visitors to the festival will need to book in advance to attend the festival.
This will overcome problems experienced in recent years where visitors have not been able to attend their preferred winery. A $20 booking fee per person will include a complimentary Riedel wine glass, a free pour of wine and a contribution to sustainability plantings in McLaren Vale.
“We are excited to be using the My Booking Manager system and look forward to start taking bookings early April,” said Elizabeth Tasker, Marketing and Business Development Manager of McLaren Vale Grape, Wine & Tourism Association.
“We believe the My Booking Manager online booking system will mean visitor’s time will be better spent enjoying the delightful experiences and hospitality of the McLaren Vale wineries rather than wasting time driving around looking for a venue that’s not booked out.
The booking system will link from the BankSA Sea & Vines Festival web site to offer booking and payments for the exclusive Relish and Delight programs which will offer specialised breakfast of lunch experiences at select venues.
The Experience program will allow visitors to choose their favourite cuisine, entertainment and winery venue by paying a nominal entry day fee. Selections can be made from any, or all of the morning, lunch and afternoon sessions, at either the same venue or different venues.
About My Booking Manager
My Booking Manager, a product of InfoTec Communications Pty Ltd, is an easy to use, do it yourself online event registration RSVP management system providing a professional and cost effective system to manage registration replies and payments.
My Booking Manager is used by a range of national and international clients including large corporates, small business and non profit organisations for conferences, trade shows, seminars, product launches, public events, and a range of functions requiring professional online registrations and payment management.
For more information about My Booking Manager, please visit www.mybookingmanager.com
For accommodation during the Sea & Vines Festival visit: http://www.bellevuebnb.com.au
The BankSA Sea & Vines Festival devotes a weekend to indulging in seafood delights and soaking up the music and beautiful scenery of McLaren Vale.
Less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide, the festival offers the perfect opportunity to discover new wineries or return to an old favourite and enjoy the long weekend festivities with friends and family. For more information about the BankSA Sea & Vines Festival, please visit www.mclarenvale.info
My Booking Manager will be used to manage online bookings for 3 categories of participation, Experience, Relish and Delight. In a significant shift from past years, visitors to the festival will need to book in advance to attend the festival.
This will overcome problems experienced in recent years where visitors have not been able to attend their preferred winery. A $20 booking fee per person will include a complimentary Riedel wine glass, a free pour of wine and a contribution to sustainability plantings in McLaren Vale.
“We are excited to be using the My Booking Manager system and look forward to start taking bookings early April,” said Elizabeth Tasker, Marketing and Business Development Manager of McLaren Vale Grape, Wine & Tourism Association.
“We believe the My Booking Manager online booking system will mean visitor’s time will be better spent enjoying the delightful experiences and hospitality of the McLaren Vale wineries rather than wasting time driving around looking for a venue that’s not booked out.
The booking system will link from the BankSA Sea & Vines Festival web site to offer booking and payments for the exclusive Relish and Delight programs which will offer specialised breakfast of lunch experiences at select venues.
The Experience program will allow visitors to choose their favourite cuisine, entertainment and winery venue by paying a nominal entry day fee. Selections can be made from any, or all of the morning, lunch and afternoon sessions, at either the same venue or different venues.
About My Booking Manager
My Booking Manager, a product of InfoTec Communications Pty Ltd, is an easy to use, do it yourself online event registration RSVP management system providing a professional and cost effective system to manage registration replies and payments.
My Booking Manager is used by a range of national and international clients including large corporates, small business and non profit organisations for conferences, trade shows, seminars, product launches, public events, and a range of functions requiring professional online registrations and payment management.
For more information about My Booking Manager, please visit www.mybookingmanager.com
For accommodation during the Sea & Vines Festival visit: http://www.bellevuebnb.com.au
Wirra Wirra wine brand builds giant bottle made of corks
South Australia’s McLaren Wirra Wirra wine brand builds giant bottle made of corks Wirra Wirra Day1 100x150Vale winery, Wirra Wirra, has launched an ambient campaign centred around building a 10-metre high wine bottle made out of corks.
Developed by Adelaide-based agency Fnuky, the campaign is part of the 35 year celebration of its flagship blend, Church Block.
The giant installation is being built in Melbourne’s Southbank Promenade and is aiming to attract people visiting the state for the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival and L’Oreal Fashion Week.
There is also a competition to guess how many corks have been used to build the structure.
Prior to its construction, Wirra Wirra enlisted the help of the Girl Guides to launch a national call for Australians to donate their old corks to help create 10-metre high bottle.
Travelling in four separate parts, overnight from Adelaide to Melbourne, the construction of the bottle began on Sunday night.
The unveiling of the completed structure will occur tomorrow night, in an event hosted by comedian Peter Rowsthorn, who has starred in shows including Kath & Kim and The Comedy Company.
Thanks to mUmBRELLA for this article.
Developed by Adelaide-based agency Fnuky, the campaign is part of the 35 year celebration of its flagship blend, Church Block.
The giant installation is being built in Melbourne’s Southbank Promenade and is aiming to attract people visiting the state for the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival and L’Oreal Fashion Week.
There is also a competition to guess how many corks have been used to build the structure.
Prior to its construction, Wirra Wirra enlisted the help of the Girl Guides to launch a national call for Australians to donate their old corks to help create 10-metre high bottle.
Travelling in four separate parts, overnight from Adelaide to Melbourne, the construction of the bottle began on Sunday night.
The unveiling of the completed structure will occur tomorrow night, in an event hosted by comedian Peter Rowsthorn, who has starred in shows including Kath & Kim and The Comedy Company.
Thanks to mUmBRELLA for this article.
Friday 5 February 2010
Sea and Vines fee to deter ‘riff raff’
FOOD and wine lovers will have to book for the next McLaren Vale Sea and Vines Festival, under plans to rid the event of drunken troublemakers.
Rather than being able to wander around different venues, for the first time visitors will have to book tickets in advance for the two-day festival on June 12 and 13.
McLaren Vale Grape, Wine and Tourism Association marketing manager Elizabeth Tasker said attendees would pay a $20 booking fee to lock themselves into a winery or restaurant at a particular time.
“Wineries will be better informed,” Ms Tasker said.
“They will know who has booked for their venue and at what times, which will assist with their planning.
“Those who book will get sent a lanyard - without one you won’t be able to get in.”
So far, more than 27 wineries and restaurants, including Maxwell, d’Arenberg, and Chalk Hill, had registered for the event, up from 22 last year.
The 2008 event was marred by the arrest of 18 people for alcohol-related offences at wineries and at the Hotel McLaren.
Chalk Hill Wines marketing manager Tom Harvey said he supported the changes because they would alleviate both traffic congestion and behavioural issues.
“It’s going to make the festival a better food and wine experience,” he said.
“The increased number of wineries participating shows they’re more willing to support this type of event.”
Regular festival goer Michael Dow, of Willunga, said the new format would keep some of the “riff raff” out and ensure the focus of the festival was on good food and wine.
Mr Dow, 25, was left battered and bruised after being attacked by a group of drunks at Tapestry Wines in 2008.
The $20 booking fee will include a wine glass, the first pour of wine and a tree, which will be planted in McLaren Vale by Greening Australia volunteers.
Festival tickets will be available at http://www.mclarenvale.info from April.
(Thanks to the Southern Times Messenger for his article).
Rather than being able to wander around different venues, for the first time visitors will have to book tickets in advance for the two-day festival on June 12 and 13.
McLaren Vale Grape, Wine and Tourism Association marketing manager Elizabeth Tasker said attendees would pay a $20 booking fee to lock themselves into a winery or restaurant at a particular time.
“Wineries will be better informed,” Ms Tasker said.
“They will know who has booked for their venue and at what times, which will assist with their planning.
“Those who book will get sent a lanyard - without one you won’t be able to get in.”
So far, more than 27 wineries and restaurants, including Maxwell, d’Arenberg, and Chalk Hill, had registered for the event, up from 22 last year.
The 2008 event was marred by the arrest of 18 people for alcohol-related offences at wineries and at the Hotel McLaren.
Chalk Hill Wines marketing manager Tom Harvey said he supported the changes because they would alleviate both traffic congestion and behavioural issues.
“It’s going to make the festival a better food and wine experience,” he said.
“The increased number of wineries participating shows they’re more willing to support this type of event.”
Regular festival goer Michael Dow, of Willunga, said the new format would keep some of the “riff raff” out and ensure the focus of the festival was on good food and wine.
Mr Dow, 25, was left battered and bruised after being attacked by a group of drunks at Tapestry Wines in 2008.
The $20 booking fee will include a wine glass, the first pour of wine and a tree, which will be planted in McLaren Vale by Greening Australia volunteers.
Festival tickets will be available at http://www.mclarenvale.info from April.
(Thanks to the Southern Times Messenger for his article).
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