Sunday, March 1, 2009

Sydney Cellar Door

This week is, apparently, NSW Wine Week, and as an opening event, there was a "cellar door" in Hyde Park, complete with the obligatory Gozleme and dodgy Pad Thai, and massively overpriced tasting glasses.  Nevertheless, it was a beautiful Sydney day, so I headed out to see if I could find anything interesting.  Step one was to get a "tasting ticket"; $25 for a glass (plastic) and 5 vouchers, each worth 60ml of wine.  A little pricey just for tasting, but the line proved the price realistic:
Yes, the tent in the distance is the front of the line, glowing softly from the satisfaction of so much money rolling in.  
Vouchers purchased, I began wandering around, waiting for something to catch my fancy.  And I found it.  The first place I actually stopped for a drink was at the stall of a winery called Jeir Creek, from down near Yass, which apart from a wonderful fruity riesling produces what I think may be the only sparkling Shiraz Viognier in Australia.  Made in the full méthode traditionelle, it was absolutely delicious, all blackberries and violets.  
I also found rather a wonderful organic winery from near Mudgee.  Lowe make what I consider a wonderfully passable Pinot Noir, and an absolutely delicious Shiraz, all from (almost certified) biodynamic vineyards.  
There were other lovely and original wines as well, and all in all I think the day was a good showcase of NSW wines, though the price may have put some people off.  But what's 
to complain about?  The sun was shining, the wine was flowing, there was live music, and small children were playing in the War Memorial pond.  
What's not to like?  A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, all things considered.  


2 comments:

Westy said...

nice one. Sounds like a great day out. I am still suspicious of any food/bev event held in Hyde park. The lines and the prices happen every time. When will these good people learn.

Nick said...

Yeah, it almost put me off the whole thing. But I decided to spend the minimum allowed amount (yes, you couldn't buy just one voucher), for the public good.