Wine Tasting Tour

(written by: Britta & Stefan, 14.10.18, Newcastle)

This Saturday we were out again with the UNESN. This time we went to Hunter Valley, a nearby region known for its wine production.

Meeting time was at 8:30 am on campus, where we were divided into two buses and each received a breakfast bag. However, we were very glad that we had already eaten breakfast, because the contents of the bag consisted of chocolate and chips. In the bus, we already started with the first beer, fitting for a wine tour.

Our first stop was the McGuigan winery. We were seated at several tables and given a list of various wines that we would try. We were told a little about each wine and worked our way from the white wines to the red wines and then to the dessert wines. At the end of the tasting, Stefan couldn't resist and bought a bottle of Gewürztraminer for us.

After that, we got back in the bus and went to the next stop, which turned out to be a brewery. Mind you, the only brewery in this area that claims to brew Kölsch beer. Here, we learned a lot about their products and received samples to taste. Upon request, we were also able to try some other types of beer. To our amusement, there was also a bachelor party present, wearing various costumes.

The next stop was the Hunter Valley Gardens, a park, where we had a BBQ together. In addition to the BBQ, we enjoyed the weather and played several rounds of Flunkyball.

After everyone was refreshed, we headed to the second winery. This was the Tamburlaine winery. There, a staff member entertained us with various facts about the wines and a lot of humor during the wine tasting.

After that, a group photo was taken with all the students at the Audrey Wilkinson winery. Then we returned to the University of Newcastle by bus, enjoying a final beer along the way. 

At that point, our paths diverged. Some of our group went to a house party, while we decided to go out to eat with others and end the day in a more relaxed way.