We had our hosts visit us from Canberra this week. Helen teaches down there and this was their second week of school holidays. It was good to see them and for a progress check on the work being done to be made. I think the tick of approval was given!
On Wednesday they took us on a road trip to Mudgee, an area two hours north west of here that is renowned for its vineyards and wines. We had a lovely day, visiting a couple of wineries, a honey shop and enjoying a leisurely lunch.
Our first stop was the Information Centre, to collect our Mudgee Mudmap. Now you may wonder what a Mudmap is? I certainly did. The following explains all!
What is a Mudmap®?
"A true mud map is essentially just that – a map drawn in the mud. Early pioneer settlers would often draw a rough map in the mud after a recent rain to give directions to outback travellers or to tell a story around the campfire. Farmers would often draw a mud map to provide directions to the homestead for visitors.
Long outgrown by mapping technology and suburban settlement, the true mud map has faded into legend, yet the term mud map remains firmly in the Australian language, particularly with those who live in rural areas. A mud map these days will be a simple, free-drawn map from local knowledge to assist visitors in finding their way."
The first vineyard was Botobolar's, a 22 hectare organic property that was established in 1971 and is Australia's oldest certified organic vineyard. Botobolar is also known for its Preservative Free and Low Preservative Wines. Again a pioneer in this field we are the original creator of organic preservative free wine and have been producing it since 1984. Our host Kevin was very affable and spent a good hour with us. Of course being a mid week day, (actually reading the website i see they are closed Wednesdays! LOL) he wasn't expecting anyone and in fact the cellar door had its closed sign up when we arrived. I am sure that he was happy with his day's profits. On the way out we were quite taken with sculpture, and especially the caption.
Another vineyard we visited was Pieter van Gent. Helen remembered this place for its white port and we keen to have a taste. Walking into this cellar felt like stepping back in time. Huge old barrels form the authentic barrel hall and the smells are amazing. As the website says "Wine tastings are conducted in the cask hall, which is dotted with barriques, puncheons, antique choir stalls, and flanked by 20 old German oak casks (circa 1850) used for storing wines. These came from Penfolds Cellars, when located in the basement of Sydney’s famous Queen Victoria Building."
We came away from there with another bottle or two, including some white port which is quite delicious. All in all it was a great day out and we arrived back at Medlow Bath tired and ready for a quiet night.The first vineyard was Botobolar's, a 22 hectare organic property that was established in 1971 and is Australia's oldest certified organic vineyard. Botobolar is also known for its Preservative Free and Low Preservative Wines. Again a pioneer in this field we are the original creator of organic preservative free wine and have been producing it since 1984. Our host Kevin was very affable and spent a good hour with us. Of course being a mid week day, (actually reading the website i see they are closed Wednesdays! LOL) he wasn't expecting anyone and in fact the cellar door had its closed sign up when we arrived. I am sure that he was happy with his day's profits. On the way out we were quite taken with sculpture, and especially the caption
For more information about this area the following link is useful:
http://www.visitmudgeeregion.com.au/
There are no personal photos as our camera has lost its charge and we have left the charger at home! That means for this trip that photos will remain on the camera and the iPad or mobile phone will become our camera in the meantime.
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