Coonawarry Winery Tour 2010

Our third annual Coonawarra Winery Tour 2010 began at 9am on Saturday and a little earlier for those travelling from Mt. G. Some started with a very early tipple, others waiting a polite interval before imbibing.
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Brand's Laira was our first port of call ...
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(Cheryl & Mel)
... some of the ladies decided to try the fruit on the vines - quite sweet but there were pips and I found that the skin wasn't easy to swallow.
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The local wineries accomodate bus tours and made us feel very welcome...
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We were a noisy bunch!
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Next onto Leconfield where the tasting was held in the actual winery where the fruit is fermented etc. Nice atmosphere.
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Here, our friend Ric is perusing the wine selection list and Angus discusses what to sip next with John.
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Angus, Kirby and our friends Dina & Ric.
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It is quite common for the vineyards to plant roses at the end of each row of vines. Apparently, the roses succumb to any pests and diseases earlier than the vines, then the growers then act accordingly to exterminate or irradicate the problem (so I was once told).
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We had beautiful blue skies and warm sunshine for most of the day.
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Time for lunch so we hit the Prince of Wales Hotel. Above - Scotch Fillet Steak & salad...
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Schnitzel Parmigiana...
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... and I had slow cooked lamb shanks. Unfortunately, a little over-done for me. Nice flavour though.
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We relaxed after lunch, enjoying the warm afternoon. Ric & Angus got picked on all day for their 'pink' shirts. Angus' was a fine red and white stripe which took on a pink tone - we decided to call it 'man salmon pink' and Ric's 'watermelon'. Those other guys just don't have any class!
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Then it was back on the bus and we headed for Di Giorgio family wines... Kirby was keen to try the Frank (Sauvignon Blanc).
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Yep, it was pretty good!
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They were very generous with their tastings...
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The weather turned quite humid in the mid afternoon, the skies coming over all thundery.
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They had olive oils infused with different flavours for tasting - basil, lemon & orange.
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I love buying produce at wineries - some zucchini relish, a spicy sauce to accompany cold meats and these yummy Kalamata olives. I've had some of these before...
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Kirby sampled some of the fruit...
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A lone bloom at the end of the vines.
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Quiet and peaceful grounds.
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We did visit another wine centre which had several brands of wine but somehow I forgot to take any pics there. We hopped back on the bus and by this stage things were getting pretty loud!
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We held the Annual Pole Dancing competition, Angus was the first contestant to show off his skills! Lol!
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Would you believe, this is our funeral director (undertaker)! Mark and his wife, Kerryn co-host this event with a Ken & Gayner from Mt. G. I think he should be a belly dancer instead, considering the moves he can make with his belly!
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Anyway, we had a ball (again) and I think everyone put their hand up to go again next year. I proposed that we have a 'Loud Shirt'Challenge to see who can wear the best, most colourful, funny, gross shirt.
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Cheers - Joolz