100 points)

Giant Steps make some sensational wines, predominately Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (though there are also some excellent other varietals). The Sexton Vineyard vines were planted in 1997 based on clones from the iconic Leeuwin Estate in Margaret River by founder Phil Sexton. Over the last twenty seven years the wines just continue to…

ByEd ItorJune 21, 2024

VISIT > Yarra Valley

VISIT > Giant Steps Vineyard

Giant Steps was founded by Phil Sexton in 1997 he had come across from Margaret River in Western Australia in search of somewhere to grow and make outstanding Burgundy varietals of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. He the first site near Gruyere planting the Sexton vineyard on the steep slopes of the Warramate Ranges. Being a…

ByEd ItorJune 21, 2024

VISIT > Yarra Valley

VISIT > Wantirna Estate

REGION: YARRA VALLEY VARIETALS: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc OPEN HOURS: Only once a year for mailing list subscribers, usualy a weekend in October WINE TASTING: Yes RESTAURANT: No WINE MAKER: Maryann Egan Wantirna is a suburb at the edge of Melbourne's sprawling metropolis. As you drive out towards the Dandenong Ranges, one…

ByEd ItorJune 21, 2024

DRINK > WINE DRINK > WINE > Cabernet Sauvignon DRINK > WINE > Merlot

WINE > Wantirna Estate, Amelia 2016 94/100

Wantirna is a suburb at the edge of Melbourne's sprawling metropolis. As you drive out towards the Dandenong Ranges, one moment it is traffic lights and shopping strips, the next quiet country streets and the idyllic 10 acres that make up Wantirna Estate. Set amongst the golf courses and nature reserves that follow the…

ByEd ItorJune 6, 2024

DRINK > WINE DRINK > WINE > Cabernet Sauvignon DRINK > WINE > Merlot

WINE > Domaine de Bargylus Vin Rouge, Grand Vin de Syrie 2014 (90/100)

It is not often someone says to you, I have a really interesting wine for you to try its excellent and it comes from Syria. Syria, like near Lebanon? War torn, beautiful, predominantly Islam country, I can't even imagine how they could make wine there. Ok wow, for sure I would definitely love…

ByEd ItorMay 29, 2024

DRINK > MELBOURNE

DRINK > V Wine Salon, Melbourne

V Wine Salon is located in the slightly unlikely West End of Melbourne's CBD. For those who are less familiar with region it is close to the Southern Cross Train Station which tends to make it an area less obvious as a destination for fine dining or fine wine-ing. But…

ByEd ItorMay 28, 2024

EAT > MELBOURNE

EAT > Carlton Wine Room, Melbourne (16/20)

There is something so completely Melbourne about the Carlton Wine Room. I cannot imagine a bar or restaurant quite like it anywhere else in the world. The combination of wood, light, food, service and wine. A wonderful mix that comes from our cosmopolitan population and the wonderful venues that have…

ByEd ItorMay 20, 2024

SKI > FRANCE TRAVEL WHERE TO SKI >

SKI > Alpe d’Huez

MENU Getting There > Where To Stay > Where To Eat > Where To Drink > Where To Ski > Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Alpe d'Huez is a ski resort that offers an unparalleled experience for winter sports enthusiasts. Known for its extensive ski terrain, vibrant après-ski scene, and stunning…

ByEd ItorMay 20, 2024

SKI > CANADA TRAVEL TRAVEL > CANADA WHERE TO SKI >

SKI > Revelstoke

MENU Getting There > Where To Stay > Where To Eat > Where To Drink > Where To Ski > Nestled in the heart of British Columbia, Revelstoke Ski Resort is a winter paradise that offers more than just world-class skiing. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse activities, and vibrant community, Revelstoke stands out as…

ByEd ItorMay 18, 2024

EAT > MELBOURNE

EAT > Lollo (14/20)

Lollo is a hotel restaurant. There I have said it straight up. And as is the case with many hotel restaurants there are some good and some not so good aspects of that come from being part of a very large hospitality venue and a global hotel chain. Lollo sits fashionably on Melbourne's Flinders Lane…

ByEd ItorApril 24, 2024

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