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 Go mobile with Australia's first national wine & food iPhone app
Last month saw the launch of the Visit Vineyards iPhone app, the first nation-wide wine and food travel app in Australia. We've had lots of good and helpful feedback, some updates have been made, and more features are on the way. Users are loving it because it not only helps you to find cellar doors, vineyards and wineries, but to locate restaurants, tours, events, markets, food makers and lots more. And as one of our subscribers said, you don't have to visit wine regions or even live in Australia to find it useful – it's great for simply finding out where those wines come from if you are in a supermarket or wine store, for example. If you were one of our subscribers who downloaded the trial version in August, please download the updated app here (currently V 1.3) so you can get future updates automatically when you sync with iTunes. Everyone who downloads the app and logs in to use it will be automatically entered in the draw to win a bottle of Penfolds Grange 1989 vintage (perfectly cellared) valued at over A$500. This wine will be good drinking now, or will cellar until approximately 2020. Described as "A full-bodied, richly flavoured and supremely complex vintage with luscious fruit and supple balanced tannins. It has the solid structure and strength of character to age gracefully over the next decade or so, with correct cellaring, to produce another classic Grange. Extreme heat and heavy March rains followed an ideal, warm growing season. Matured in new American oak hogsheads for eighteen months. Alcohol 13.50%. (The wine is) 91% Shiraz 9% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Kalimna and other Barossa vineyards, as well as the McLaren Vale, it has the typical solid structure and strength of character to produce another classic Grange. "Full-bodied, richly flavoured and supremely complex, harmoniously whole, this wine combines power, structure and concentration!" – Winemaker John Duval." If that sounds like something you would enjoy, either to drink, to cellar or to give as a gift, then download the app here and start exploring Australian wine and food wherever you are. No iPhone? Simply share this newsletter for your chance to savour this excellent Grange vintage.
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 Special feature – your choice of two world class holidays in Australia
As most of you know, VisitVineyards.com is a huge supporter of regional Australia and our fabulous producers and tourism operators. Right now we're putting our efforts into promoting two wonderful regions: the Whitsundays in sunny Queensland, and the gourmet island state of Tasmania » And we're giving you the chance to enjoy them first hand! You can:
'DO THE WHITSUNDAYS' IN TROPICAL QUEENSLAND OVER 11 INCREDIBLE DAYS We've teamed with Queensland business Roam Media, of Do the Whitsundays (based in Airlie Beach) to bring you this fabulous holiday – it's certainly one of the most amazing we've featured! (and is worth approximately A$8000). It's a trip for two, and you can enter from anywhere in the world. See the Great Barrier Reef from all angles – upon, below and above the sparkling waters over 11 long, lovely days. With diving, scenic flights and cruises of discovery you'll get to know and love the Whitsundays well. Is romance in the air? Win this trip and turn it into a first or second honeymoon with an optional marriage (or vow renewal) ceremony included. Or if not, just take a friend or family member, and enjoy the adventure.... Sparkling waters, coral reefs and friendly locals (marine and human!) are waiting to welcome you. Prize donors include:
To read more about the amazing experiences and for your chance to win this amazing holiday, simply tell us which Whitsunday experience you'd most look forward to »
SPEND SEVEN DAYS IN TASMANIA, THE GOURMET ISLE: Tasmanian apples might almost be a thing of the past, but now Tassie's natural larder is burgeoning with everything from saffron and scallops to wasabi and wagyu – and all within easy reach. Travel in leisure from Tasmania's north to south, spend a week sipping on world class wines and savouring deliciously fresh local produce with spectacular coastlines, boutique accommodation and sealife adventures along the way.... yes, tempting, isn't it? We've crafted an itinerary packed with special treats and some of the must see/do things that we think make Tasmania special – but what would you enjoy the most? Let us know and you could soon discover firsthand what you could see, taste and experience in seven glorious days in the gourmet state. Enter here now and this fabulous Tasmanian holiday could be yours » Prize donors include:
Plus, if you are a member of RAC, NRMA or any motoring organisation throughout Australia (or AAA internationally), you can drop in en route, taste and save at any of these lovely vineyards and food producers in Tasmania: RACT.VisitVineyards.com/save »
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 WINE AND WINE TRAVEL plus reviews
21st Century Australian Fine Wine: The Landmark Tutorial In September of last year, fourteen wine professionals from around the world gathered in Australia's Yarra Valley for, without exaggeration, the tasting experience of a lifetime. The Landmark Tutorial is a 14 part series in which participating wine expert Edward Ragg provides an in-depth review of the Landmark Tutorial. Great wine reading, and packed with detailed tasting notes, too:
More of the 14 part series will be in our November newsletter or you can read the complete 14 part series on VisitVineyards.com »
BOOK REVIEWS: Having Thai or thinking Asian food? Then here are some wine and food matching secrets
A taste of South Africa – an updated guide to South African wine country
VICTORIA: SHOW YOUR CARD AND SAVE
Find more recommendations and discounts for members of motoring organisations in Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland in the SAVE section below
TOUR THE CULINARY DELIGHTS OF REGIONAL VICTORIA WITH V/LINE Victoria is renowned for its thriving culinary scene with a rising wave of excellent dining experiences emerging across the state. There's also an increasing move to using public transport and saving the environment. So next time, board a train and set off for a traffic-free culinary adventure to remember »
EXCLUSIVE SUBSCRIBER OFFER Gain a deeper appreciation enjoyment from the complexities of your wine by teaching your nose to detect the subtleties that make up each one. Le Nez du Vin aroma sets help you develop your scent memory and as VisitVineyards.com subscriber, you can save up to A$110! This would make a great Christmas give for a wine lover. Details here »
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 FOOD: Reviews and recipes
From what you are telling us, more people are dining in right now, and with spring produce everywhere in Australia, here are some great new food ideas: Smart ways to buy, store and use up food
A light and healthy addition to your library
A year in recipes
Traditional recipes with a twist
SERVING SUGGESTIONS AND RECIPES Thistle Be Good produces a range of dukkahs and dry spice marinades as well as a delicious range of handmade, ready-to-cook risotto and couscous. Yum yum! Here are several cooking tips and recipes for Thistle Be Good products including a delicious crumble recipe with an unusual twist »
EXCLUSIVE SUBSCRIBER OFFER Save 15% on your personally signed copy of Bernadette O'Shea's award-winning book Champagne and Chandeliers: Grand Dining Occasions. It captures the essence of this wonderful bubbly wine in a unique and elegant fashion. Have it signed as a gift for the wine (or style) lover in your life. Details here »
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 EVENTS: Food and wine events around Australia
SPRING INTO SPRING Victoria is the place to be in October and November with the Spring Racing Carnival – 50 days of world-class thoroughbred racing in a party atmosphere. But if horse racing isn't your thing, there are plenty more events to choose from with some of the best food, wine, music and arts events listed below: VIC: The Mornington Peninsula is celebrating Australian pinot noir but be quick as this event is ending soon – October Pinot Week, 8-16 Oct »
ACT: Make sure you are in Canberra for this 12 day celebration of film – 15th Canberra International Film Festival, 26 Oct to 6 Nov » NSW: Experience a month of extraordinary food events across Sydney and regional NSW – Crave Sydney International Food Festival, 1-31 Oct »
NT: In Darwin tantalise your senses with a mixture of Asian cuisine and the aroma of fresh coffee – Parap Markets, every Saturday morning » QLD: Celebrate Spring with three months of festivities in the Granite Belt wine country – Primavera 2011 Festival, 1 Sep to 30 Nov » SA: You will need to get in early if you want to discover the quality of Coonawarra Cabernet – Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations, 14-16 Oct »
TAS: This coming weekend in Hobart showcasing new season's white wines and special releases – Southern Vineyards White Wine Weekend, 15-16 Oct »
WA: In Perth enjoy a vibrant and dynamic street festival showcasing the best of local art, music, food, wine and fashion – Beaufort Street Festival, 12 Nov »
A SPECIAL EVENT – having fun and raising funds for breast and prostate cancer research: Dunk a duck at Puddleduck Vineyard and help quack the code in finding a cure for cancer. Join in the fun of the inaugural Puddleduck Dunk wherever you are in Australia. Buy a duck online and see if your little quacker can win you a case or two of perfect Puddleduck wine! Full details here but be quick, the ducks are dunking on 29th October »
Want to find more events? There are many more events, festivals, dinners, tastings, tweetups, activities and exhibitions in our national wine and food events calendar »
Holding a tasting? Planning Christmas festivities? Then list your own event If you are a wine or food event manager or organiser and your event is not on our calendar, no matter how large or small please visit the My Account section to create your own listing, or email us and we'll help you add it the calendar » A LOT of wine and food lovers check our our calendar every month, and you are missing FREE and widespread publicity for your event if you don't.
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 Magnificent magnums, wines for savouring, glorious books and more
Apart from the two amazing holidays above, we've got a stellar range of prizes this month. Wines from Tasmania, Victoria and New Zealand, wine appreciation kits, books galore and something to add some harmony to your home.....
QUICK WIN! email us now at promotions@VisitVineyards.com for your chance to win one of six double passes to the exhibition of Australian Modern Materpieces at the Art Gallery of Bendigo on show from 5th October to 27th November. Hurry, winners drawn 18th October.
UNCLAIMED PRIZE ALERT: the prize shelf still has some unclaimed wine and books so please check our winners' page and make sure you're not missing out! (Yes, you!)
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 Stock up your cellar and save around Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland
Thinking of stocking up the cellar for the festive season? Or planning a pre-Christmas gathering? Then visit the renowned wine and food producers in Tasmania, regional Victoria and Queensland. They'll offer a warm welcome and save you money too! Here are this month's recommendations for members* of motoring organisations in or visiting these three states. All you have to do is show them your membership card to receive these great discounts: TASMANIA:
For the full listing of where you can sip, savour and save around the gourmet isle, go to ract.VisitVineyards.com/save »
VICTORIA'S KING VALLEY :
There are over 53 discounts available around regional Victoria, find them all at racv.VisitVineyards.com/save »
QUEENSLAND:
Go to racq.VisitVineyards.com/save for wineries, restaurants, food producers and more » So head out into the regions around Australia, support our wonderful wine and food producers in the lead up to the festive season and save along the way. * If you're a current member or policy holder of RACT, RACV, NRMA, RAA, RACQ, RANZ, AAA etc, you qualify for all these discounts.
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 Spring into spring (or fall) - enjoy the season!
In Australia, the footy's over, the hockey and rugby are about to end, and soon it will be cricket, tennis, surfing and horse racing. Australia sure is a land of sports-lovers, but we also like our arts and culture too. Whatever your tastes and interests, we wish you a happy month ahead. As Steve Jobs reminded us, 'live before you die', and enjoy the moment with some good wine, good food and good company. For those into racing or in Melbourne, have a great Spring Carnival, and don't forget to have a flutter on our two amazing holidays as well! Good luck and see you in November with some fresh ideas for the festive season and holidays ahead. Cheers from Robyn Lewis and the VisitVineyards.com team
PS And remember, for every wine and food loving friend you share this newsletter with, you receive an entry to win the 1989 Penfolds Grange »
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