How to get your money's worth straight away

Making the most of "the travel innovation of the year"

Gordon Studios, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria [©Mornington Peninsula Tourism]

VisitVineyards.com Membership has been described by wine and food travel writer Winsor Dobbin as "the innovation of the year". Great praise from someone who travels to wine regions almost constantly, checking out the best (and worst) and keeping you informed.

We gave Winsor and his partner VisitVineyards.com Memberships to test drive. Not only were they ecstatic about the unique experiences we offer - that even Winsor as a professional journalist cannot access unaided - but the amazing value for money that our Membership represents.

"How can you offer all this for only $99?" he asked us (and that's Australian dollars, not US$*. We believe that everyone wants great value for money - whether you are paying thousands for the latest designer handbag, hundreds for a collectable bottle of wine or special dinner, or $20 for fish and chips with the family down by the beach - after all, you've earned it.

We also believe in the fabulous experiences that lie in wait all over Australia, begging to be discovered - and the passionate, friendly people who create them.

So, we collect them, put them on our website, and don't charge the providers to list them.

This means that they pass the savings onto you, instead of paying us like most other sites do.

It also means that we list the small, the quirky, the hand- and sometimes home-made, the boutique, the micro, the new kids starting out with no marketing budget but a great product  - whatever you call them, the guys and girls out there who make fabulous stuff, that you like to discover, to enjoy and take home.

We also list the big guys too, the icons and the must-visits that are also part of any regional visit. And no, we don't charge them either. Nuts? Maybe. But maybe not....

In only a few months, starting in Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, and now expanding Australia-wide, we've already brought together over 200 offers, ranging from special extras like free wine with your stay or meal, year-round discounts on wine and cooking classes, cookbooks, culinary and wine tours, to exclusive experiences that you can only get as as VisitVineyards.com Member - and the priceless memories of a really great holiday or short break.

We're now being approached by operators all over Australia and now New Zealand, France and Italy who want to be included; yes, even in India! So wherever you want to go on your wine and food travels, it certainly pays to carry your VisitVineyards.com Membership card.

For those of you with a calculator and a keen eye for a bargain, here's how to get your money back straight away:

• Go on a four-day whisky experience tour at Lark Distillery, in Hobart, Tasmania. This exclusive tour includes a day in the Tasmanian Central Highlands and three days assisting making the whisky and following the spirit all the way through to final barrelling. This customisable tour also includes a wonderful overnight stay at Tarraleah Village where guests enjoy a "Whiskies of the World" dinner featuring Tasmania's best seasonal cuisine and a comprehensive tasting of selected rare malts from around the world. VisitVineyards.com Members save A$315 per person. Not bad for $99 ($169 per couple). And if you're not up to a four-day tour, receive 15% off all purchases. 

• In Victoria, head down the Great Ocean Road and stay at Aire Valley Guest House, just north-west of the Otway National Park - stay two nights and save $150, or stay three and save $250. VisitVineyards.com, Members are invited to enjoy three (or two) nights' accommodation including a bottle of wine each night, breakfast each morning and a three course dinner each evening in the acclaimed Aire Valley Guesthouse restaurant, where the majority of ingredients are picked straight from the extensive organically grown vegetable gardens on the property.

 

• Take a Pinot Tour of the Mornington Peninsula with George's Boutique B&B. This epicurean experience features 2 nights lavish accommodation, a high profile chef preparing all your meals, all food and beverages, a visit to 10 Pinot Noir vineyards across the Mornington Peninsula, a 5 course degustation menu, a traditional gourmet BBQ, gift pack upon arrival and all transfers to and from activities. No, they don't offer discounts on the $1200 pricetag, but each VisitVineyards.com Member will take home a gift pack of three bottles of premium Mornington Peninsula pinot noir and a copy of the movie Sideways, valued at over A$100.

 

• Fancy a wine tour in France? Book one of Nick Sweet's vineyard safaris and save 10% on €650 for a three day trip.

 

• Book in for two or more nights midweek (Sunday to Thursday) at Woodman Estate in the Mornington Peninsula - only one hour from Melbourne - and enjoy a complimentary upgrade to the next level of accommodation – up to $400 value.

 

Not thinking of outlaying this much right now? Then hop in the car and head to the Mornington Peninsula for a weekend of wine and food exploring, where you can follow this great value itinerary and get your money's worth in one weekend.

There are already over 170 Member offers - the above are just some of the bigger ticket items - and even in an average weekend of wine and food touring you can get back your entire Membership fee.

After that, you're way ahead for the rest of the year - unlike other programs, you and your partner can use your Membership as often as you like, even at the same place.

So join now, before your next weekend away - Membership is only A$99 per person (couples A$169 p.a.). [Comparable programs in the city can cost over $200 p.a.] Special rates also apply to members of The Wine Society.

*These rates apply to Australian and New Zealand residents; because international residents may not be able to visit as frequently, overseas rates are A$79 single, A$129 per couple.

Regions

• Mornington Peninsula (VIC)

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