Wine for Dudes, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Airing Date: Feb 2nd, 2004
Have you ever joined one of those winery tours and felt completely out of your depth? Perhaps you've tried holding the stem elegantly and accidentally dropped the glass. Or maybe you tried swirling the glass and wine has splashed all over your shirt. Don't worry - there are a whole bunch of people out there with similar experiences ... and these people are called dudes (or dudettes)!
This new winery tour was designed especially for dudes. Wine for Dudes allows people to learn all about the winemaking and wine tasting process the fun and easy way. And what better place to delve into the wonderful world of wines then in one of Australia's premier wine regions - Margaret River, located around three hours' drive from Perth.
Cat Willcock is the brains behind the business and puts everyone at ease from the moment they jump on board the bus. After being handed a 'guide book', it's time to hit some of the best wineries in Margaret River. The tour's first stop is Xanadu Winery, home to barrels and barrels of wines. Here you get to sample their 2003 Reserve Shiraz.
Next stop is Palandri Wines, where you get a chance to blend your own wine. This is a very simple process using different wine varieties like Semillon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Once you've found the style of wine that best suits you, you can enjoy it over a BBQ lunch. While Cath cooks up a storm, the dudes and dudettes can play volleyball or be involved in a spitting game - this is where everyone competes for another glass of wine by spitting wine into a bucket.
Last stop of the day is Watershed Wines, a beautiful brand new complex with stunning views of the surrounding vineyards. Here you get to taste some more wines and enjoy a game of boules on the lawn - and of course, drink more wine!
With all that wine you might need a nice comfy place to rest for the night. If so, head down to Margarets Beach Resort. It's the only resort in the region where you'll wake to the sound of the ocean, so after a peaceful night's sleep there's nothing stopping you from a refreshing dip (great way to get over all that wine tasting). The beach houses costs $285 a night for up to eight people.
The facts
Qantas has daily flights to Perth starting at $461 from Sydney and $465 from Melbourne.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
Wine for Dudes full day tours costs $55 per person including lunch and five winery stops.
Wine for Dudes
Tel: 08 9758 8699
Studio Rooms at Margarets Beach Resort start from $135 per couple per night.
Margarets Beach Resort
Tel: 1800 100 038
The Travel Management Group has a great deal exclusive to The Great Outdoors viewers. This deal includes three nights' accommodation in a two bedroom apartment at Margaret's Beach Resort, a full day Wine for Dudes tour, a mixed case of Xanadu Secession Wine and a gift hamper. This will cost $198 based on a four-person share. This deal is valid until 31 August, 2004 from Sunday to Thursday excluding school holidays, public holidays and special events.
The Travel Management Group
Tel: 08 9758 7089
