David Around the World: December 14, 2014 Eating Well, Barossa Valley Wine Tasting Day.

I had probably my best rested night in the last month. It helps that I'm mostly over my bronchitis and have adjusted to the time change. I think the seven hour change when I went from Nairobi to Bangkok a month ago really got to me. I need to get out and find a wi-fi since my sweet Scottish landlord hasn't quite got the hang of 21st century technology. I bet she still uses an original dial style telly. I found a nice wine bar in Angaston that had wifi and a breakfast that was overwhelming. I had poached eggs, thick multi-grain toast, bacon (that was more like ham), pork apple sausages, spinach, tomatoes, kiwi, avocado, apricots and a sweet relish that was so tasty...top it off with two glasses of local shiraz...hey it's 8PM somewhere in the world! After that meal I needed a nap but not at 10AM. I spend about an hour catching up on my postings and head back to my cottage to meet Paul and Julie Clifford for our afternoon of wine tasting. The nice thing about Barossa Valley is that there are about 40 wineries all with 15 miles.
Paul and Julie arrive at my place, right at the designated time..1PM. We visited Bethany, Rockfords, Artisian and finished at Two Hands. We could have visited more but the Cliffords did have a two hour drive back to Adelaide. I can visit others tomorrow, my last day in Barossa Valley. The wine tasting was fun and very educational. As I have mentioned before, the Barossa Valley is famous for their shiraz, but I even found some of the whites were pretty good. Also the estates where these wineries are located are not like the huge complexes that you mostly find in Napa. Most all of the wineries here are still family owned over several generations. My understanding is that the Australian and local governments frown upon the big mega businesses in this industry. I find that to be inspiring...to be able to keep the family and local businesses thriving. My favorite taste was probably Hobbs Shiraz 1905, 2012, of course it was $140 each. This grape is grown from vines from 1905, thus the name. Boy, it just laid in my mouth and it must be what heaven tastes like. We also had a very nice lunch at the Artesian, which actually represented seven of the smaller family wineries of the local area. This is where I tasted the Hobbs.
We also had a great tasting series at Two Hands Winery. This is a place that has only been around since 2005, but is really starting to produce a nice collection. The grounds were very nice with their flower garden, fountains and a wonderful deck where we had our tasting series. The primarily manager waited on us and was quite the host. He delivered each taste with background of grape areas and history on some of the names of his collection. One in particular caught my eye, though it wasn't the best tasting. It was called Gnarly Dudes. It would have been the perfect name for Jeff Conlon and I if they were going to name a wine after us.
We ended the day by driving me back to my cottage. We said our good byes. What a nice couple the Clifford's. But, you know what? I find everyone in Australia to be some of the happiest people in the world. They enjoy life, do a lot of outdoor activities and they are very proud of their country. Tomorrow, I visit a few more wineries to include Penfolds.