Wine & wineries
W
hile most of us drink wine, not all of us feel capable of tasting and talking about it. A thought looms that we need to know the etiquette, the drill, some routine or procedure that will unlock the vault. It can all seem too much. As part of our Margaret River Makers video series we chatted to a host of winemakers in the region to get their take on tasting. Their advice exposed the simple truth that there’s nothing to feel nervous about. It’s a case of diving in, experiencing as much as you can and above all having fun! As the wine region celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2017, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Margaret River wine with our video masterclass. Featuring five short films with some of the region’s iconic wine personalities, you’ll learn fascinating facts about what has helped to put the region on the map, before taking the masterclass Facebook quiz for your chance to win a two-night stay in the region. Vines and winemaking are an essential part of the Margaret River region’s DNA. Since the first commercial vineyard planting at Vasse Felix estate in 1967, the region has grown to produce a massive 20% of Australia’s premium wine, and there are now over 95 cellar doors to be explored, set against spectacular vistas of farmland, vineyards and the coast.
Time to explore To get the best out of any wine region you need to be realistic with the time you’ve got, do your research, try what you like and sometimes what you think you don’t. “Taste everything you can. Learn to spit. It really will allow you to taste and learn more. Talk to everyone you can. Get their recommendations and learn what you like. Don’t be closed off, walking into a cellar door saying “I don’t like chardonnay” because as a region we have so many styles of chardonnay. Even if you just stick your nose in a glass and smell it you might surprise yourself.” Kate Morgan, Winemaker, Ipso Facto
50
WINTER 2017
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margaretriver.com
TAKE OUR MARGARET RIVER REGION WINE MASTERCLASS AND WIN A HOLIDAY TO THE REGION!
Test your knowledge -
and win a holiday for two!
To enter, head over to margaretriver.com/masterclass, answer the questions. Good luck!
The prize
• 2 nights’ luxury accommodation at 5-star boutique hotel Cape Lodge • The Epicurean Tour at Vasse Felix, the Margaret River region’s founding wine estate –
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour, three-course gourmet lunch with matching wines, and a bottle of Vasse Felix Premier wine to take away
• Wine Essentials Session at Voyager Estate – Discover your ideal wine and learn wine tasting techniques in an interactive and fun way
• • •
Two bottles of wine by Domaine Naturaliste – Floris Chardonnay and Rebus Cabernet Two person entry to one Margaret River region cave of your choosing Two person entry to one Margaret River region lighthouse of your choosing