From another blog

My gorgeous friend and fellow wine clubber Ash has just created a new blog with her friend Axel, and guess who they wrote about in their most recent entry??? Little old me :)

Check out her blog at axelandash

I hope you are enjoying the festive season. Have a glass for me. Alex Mac xxx

AlexMacWine Club Schedule 2013

So it is nearly the end of the year which means lots of festivities, but also lots of preparation for 2013. To give you an idea what goes on at wine club I am publishing our schedule for 2013.

Why not create your own wine club and use some of these ideas to get you started? One of our fabulous wine clubbers Laura Jonsson has just written and published her first book titles '52 weeks of fun'. It gives you 52 great ideas of things to do with your girlfriends throughout the year. You can check it out at amazon or on her facebook page. I am pleased to say that AlexMacWine Club gets a mention and Mrs Jonsson was the one who suggested that I publish the secrets of Wine club for the world to enjoy.

Let me know if you have any questions or ideas.

As always, lots of love Alex Mac xx.

Tasmanian Devils

It is nearly the Christmas break and I have to admit I am very much looking forward to my holiday to Tasmania with a group of new friends. Normally I wouldn't have picked the island at the bottom of our great country as holiday destination but through a little research I have discovered that it is quite a wonderous little place with some seriously good wine.

In an attempt to get the most out of the trip I decided to have a look at some of the wineries that we might get to have a look at whilst we are travelling around. This is what I have found.

About the Region

Tasmania has a cool climate with a mild summer and long autumn days. In this type of environment the grapes ripen slowly and surely and therefore offer crisper/drier characteristics. The climate is similar to that of the famous European wines and therefore if you are interested in trying the European styles without the price tag then you don't have to go far!

Tasmania now produces some delicious and elegant cool climate wines that are gaining popularity including Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris and Sparkling wines. The wineries tend to be small but offer wine tastings at their cellar door. There are also a number of wineries that have lovely restaurants offering views of the water or the vineyard.

The Southern Wine Region

This region is made up of three different areas; the Coal River Valley which is a about 15 minutes by car north east of Hobart, Derwent Valley is a 35 minute drive and the Huon Valley/D'Entrecasteaux Channel region is around 30 minutes away. The climate is known as a maritime climate due to the proximity to the water which creates authentic cool climate wines. This would make an ideal day trip from Hobart where you can visit the historic villages of Richmond, New Norfolk, Huonville and Cygnet which have vineyard restaurants and cellar doors.

The Puddleduck vineyard looks super cute, The Richmond Tasting House has both Whisky and wine tasting which is sure to be a crowd pleaser and for the true enthusiast like moi there is Pooley Wines with a guided tour and lessons.

The North West Wine Route

This area is near cradle mountain and is home to lesser known towns and village sides. This region is closer to Davenport and sports a similar climate. Vineyards to visit here include Ghost Rock vineyard which is just 10 minutes drive from Davenport. You can sit outside and relax on the terrace whilst sipping delicious wines, nibbling on local produce and taking on the ocean and mountain views... sounds like heaven right! Lake Barrington Estate is very close as well and has a range of wines called Alexandra, clearly a must try. This area actually has a ton of lovely places to visit and is definitely worth getting lost in. Hawley House is one that I will definitely be checking out, take a peek at the link.

Launceston, Tamar and the North

Again, close to a city, I must admit the locations of the wineries in Tasmania are very convenient! A few to check out here include Pipers Brook Vineyard which has an architecturally-acclaimed cellar door offers tastings and sales of Kreglinger sparkling, Pipers Brook and Ninth Island wines, Three Wishes Vineyard because we all need a little luck sometimes and of course saving the best until last Jansz... Begin and end with bubbles!

Until next time, have a glass for me. Alex Mac xx