November newsletter: Aussie winos in the US, The Jimmy Watson and Touch Wine 2009

Posted by Josh on November 9th, 2009

Hi There,

Just back from the USA and we were impressed to see so many Aussie & Kiwi wines on the lists of top US restaurants. Forgive us though, as we did not order a single one! We love our wines but the Mrs and I have a strict policy of eating and drinking local when it comes to traveling. That is, except for those lovely little sleeping aids of about 180ml that they serve on Qantas. And there was that one McDonalds burger in Vegas, which I'll admit, was needed after a big morning on the blackjack tables. Beat the house and walked away with a cool $12.50 USD. With that kind of cash I could afford the new Angus burger... which was, reflux aside, a little bit fancy. And in the true spirit of confession, there was also an (excellent) glass of Aussie port that the wine guy matched to a chocolate sundae before a show at Crazy Horse Paris at the MGM Grand. Seriously good legs on that one.

Jokes aside, we were also very lucky to spend a day touring around the Sanoma area in California with friends visiting everything from the certified biodynamic vineyard of Benziger to the smaller family run operations. Here's a couple of pics.

The underground barrel caves at Benziger

Let's start at the top - tasting

 

Where in the world is Jamie Gilchrist? Well he's back in California, this time to install VINx2 into a large sparkling wine producer called Rack and Riddle (what a great name for a winery!). Then he's off to Niner Wine Estates further south in Paso Robles. We welcome both new clients to VINx2. And in case you forgot what he looked like here he is on site:

We congratulated VINx2 users Eden Road Wines in our last newsletter on their success at the Canberra Wine Show but now they've gone and taken the big one, the Jimmy Watson trophy. Well done to Nick Spencer and the crew. I think the Long Road Shiraz is sold out but best to check with your local bottle shop who may have some stashed away after the Canberra show win.

And what's news here in Melbourne? Well, I'll be heading over to Adelaide this Sunday the 15th November to take part in Touch Wine 2009. Wineries and other industry types will thrash it out on the touch football field all in the name of charity. The aim is to raise funds for the Hutt Street Centre, a terrific supporter of the homeless and disadvantaged. We're proud sponsors again this year and have donated all the water bottles to the VIP Marquee - so keep a look out or give me a buzz on 0421 808 939.

That's this weeks wrap up from the market,

Josh

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