Hunter Valley Uncorked at Balmoral

The laid-back Sunday crowds were out in force as the Hunter Valley brought its wines to Sydney against the stunning backdrop of Balmoral Beach last Sunday. The day was perfect for a picnic and the chance to meet the winemakers and their teams and sample trophy and gold medal wines, iconic Hunter Semillons, new release whites, Hunter Valley Shiraz as well as chilled bubbles and rose. The Hunter Valley's Andy Allen, aka Masterchef 2012, was a special guest preparing seafood to complement Hunter Valley Semillon and beef to pair with Hunter Valley Shiraz.

Three-piece band Mimesis took centre stage on the iconic bandstand, delivering sounds that really suited the day and the tastes of the Hunter were a reminder of how good it is to spend a weekend away just a two-hour drive from Sydney!

WINERIES INCLUDED:

• Adina Vineyard
• Allandale Winery
• Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard
• Bimbadgen
• Brokenwood Wines
• Colvin Wines
• De Iuliis Wines
• First Creek Wines
• Glandore Estate Wines
• Margan Winery
• McGuigan Wines
• McWilliams Mount Pleasant
• Oakvale Wines
• Peterson House
• RidgeView Wines
• Saddler's Creek Wines 
• Tempus Two
• Thomas Wines
• Tulloch Wines
• Two Rivers
• Tyrrell's Wines

RESTAURANTS:

• Restaurant Cuvee
• RidgeView Restaurant
• The Verandah Restaurant
• Twine Restaurant

Fresh Produce by:

• Pukara Estate - olives, olive products and vinegars
• Hunter Valley Cheese Company - cheese & antipasto platters
• Nelson Bay Seafoods - fresh seafood
• Australian Regional Food Store - gourmet products
• Lushberries - chocolate dipped berries
• Lil' Groovers - fresh lemonade
• Bar Coco - Coffee, drinks and gelato

Novotel Lombok

My Stratford-upon-Avon app is now on Google Play

Mercure Shakespeare Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon ©AP

Drive a Morgan Roadster ©AP

http://sutromedia.com/android/Stratford_West_Midlands_As_You_Like_It

http://sutromedia.com/apps/Stratford_West_Midlands_As_You_Like_It

Stratford-upon-Avon App

Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon. ©AP

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/stratford-west-midlands-as/id537475306?mt=8

Luxury 'Town & Country Package', Blanket Bay & Eichardt's Private Hotel, New Zealand

Blanket Bay, New Zealand.  ©AP

Road to Blanket Bay, New Zealand. ©AP

On the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Blanket Bay is a dream come true, a place for relaxation and reflection and a base for exciting activities against the breathtaking scenery of the Glenorchy district.

The food is excellent, each dish prepared with fresh ingredients every day. You'll never want to leave.

On the waterfront in Queenstown, Eichardt's Private Hotel is a stylish hideaway with its own Tapas Bar and close to restaurants such as Wai and The Bunker. Amisfield Winery is nearby, a perfect place for lunch.

Currently there's a package combining a stay at both for a taste of town and country:

http://blanketbay.com/packages/queenstown-town-and-country

Stay for six nights and pay for only five:

3 nights in a Lodge Room at Blanket Bay and 3 nights in a Lakefront Apartment at Eichardt's Private Hotel – NZ$2705.00 per person

3 nights in a Lodge Suite at Blanket Bay and 3 nights in a Mountain View Suite at Eichardt's Private Hotel – NZ$3795.00 per person

Rates are per person based on twin or double occupancy, include taxes and can be booked directly with the hotels or by your travel advisor. Click here for information and reservations.

Suite, Eichardt's Private Hotel, Queenstown,  New Zealand. ©AP

Eichardt's Private Hotel, Queenstown, New Zealand. ©AP

To share or not to share ... lunch, Amisfield.

NZ: Amisfield Winery, nr Queenstown. Go for lunch, chat into the afternoon ...

Blanket Bay, New Zealand

What a wonderful experience ... Town & Country package at Blanket Bay and Eichardt's Private Hotel, Queenstown, NZ.

http://blanketbay.com/packages/queenstown-town-and-country