Living so close to wine country makes it really easy to visit on a whim. If you are visiting Newcastle, it is an absolute must, even for the most lukewarm wine-o. Even if you don’t intend to drink (taste or buy) any wine, all vineyards have at least some sort of restaurant attached, each with stunning views of rolling countrysides striped with endless rows of grapevines. I rediscovered four very good reasons to visit this weekend: Wandin Valley Estate, Constable Estate, Tulloch Wines and Sebel Kirkton Park.
Wandin Valley
Wandin Valley is set on a hill that overlooks their very own cricket pitch, the pavilion of which is used for weddings. I could definitely imagine getting hitched there (in fact I almost did), with a quick game in between ceremony and reception. I’m sure the wife would allow it. They have a cellar door but we just had a drink in the restaurant.
Constable Estate Vineyards
We happened to stumble on Constable Estate Vineyards completely by accident. I find the best way to explore wine country is just to drive and turn at random until you decide to stop. Well, we did exactly that except that the road suddenly became their driveway: so we parked.
Constable Estate gave off a small, family vibe with expansive gardens that we actually did not explore. The Cellar door person was very helpful and we tried a number of wines.
Tulloch Wines
On my ‘must do’ list for the day was Tulloch Wines. My absolute favourite winery of the region. They appear to be either a small winery by comparison of land size, or the majority of their vines are hidden from view out back.
They do an incredible tawny (which I purchased) and a delicious creme de vin fortified wine. Since this was (mostly) 40 years old verdelho used in the making, it cost a lost more for a lot less. The staff are very helpful and are more than happy to help you out with some picks if you are a complete wine noob like myself.
Lastly, we stopped off at the Sebel Kirkton Park, a magical place for a wedding (I should know!). In my (somewhat biased) opinion it has the actual nicest view of the 4 we visited.
In the summer, wisteria is in full bloom and frames a small pond with a hilly backdrop. The real show is in the courtyard. Fountains and shrubs surround you as you walk past the rooms that just exude class. If money is no object this is a classy place to use as a base for the weekend.
If you are visiting Newcastle, then no trip is complete without a day out at in Wine Country. I have previously written about the vineyards in a previous post, so by all means, make yourself at home.
