One of the great views at d’Arenberg.
On a recent trip to South Australia we made the drive from Adelaide to McLaren Vale to taste at one of Australia’s most iconic wineries: d’Arenberg. “Tasting” is probably not the right word; “experiencing” is a better descriptor. That is because d’Arenberg is more than a cellar door, the Australian term for tasting room. That is also because a visit at d’Arenberg is more than just a tasting; it an experience that combines wine tasting, world class dining, brashly innovative architecture, a wine museum, and of course, some great wine.
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The tasting room at Melville.
Within the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in Santa Barbara County, there are only a handful of wineries that have reached critical acclaim worldwide. For the last two decades Melville Winery has consistently produced top quality wines in this underrated region, helping bring attention to its very unique terroir and the exciting potential still to be realized there.
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Winemaker Mari Womack
Damsel Cellars. The name of the winery might conjure up the historical myth of a woman, seemingly helpless, in need of rescuing. In the case of the woman behind the winery based in Woodinville, Washington and the meaning behind the name, nothing could be further from the truth.
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Allister Ashmead
Our visit with Allister Ashmead, whose family owns Elderton Wines near Nuriootpa in Australia’s Barossa Valley, was fascinating; a true eye-opener, and a wonderful tasting experience.
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The entrance at Rockford
Entrepreneurs have one common trait: an unwavering belief in their vision despite the odds and the naysayers. Rockford Wines was started with no money, no customers, and no reputation…just a dream. A tough way to start a winery in the Barossa Valley in the mid 1980’s when the industry was in such poor shape, the government was paying people to pull vines and use the land for pasture! Thirty-five years later, Rockford stands as a testament to one man’s determined focus combined with a steadfast refusal to compromise on his core values.
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Winemaker Sam Berketa
When we were first introduced to Alpha Box & Dice in Australia’s McLaren Vale wine region, we admit we were skeptical about a winery that is currently working with 29 different varieties from over 40 different plots. Like seeing a thick menu at a restaurant, our first thought was how could they possibly produce so many wines well—and with just one winemaker? Our concerns quickly dissolved when we sat down with Winemaker Sam Berketa and learned that there clearly was a method behind the seemingly apparent madness.
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