Sunday, June 5, 2016

June 5, 2016. Day trip to Pyrenees Wine District

LOCATION:  Housesitting near Ballarat, Victoria, Queensland
WEATHER:  Cool and overcast. Highs in 50s

We set off today toward Avoca, the heart of the Pyrenees Wine District.  It is about 40 kms (25miles) from here.  The homeowners have generously loaned us the use of their ute (utility pick- up) called "Old Smokey".  


It is fine for day trips, and we are so grateful to be able to use it.

The Pyrenees Wine District is pretty small, with about 20 wineries.  We stopped first in the town's unassuming hotel pub for lunch and information.  To our great delight, the menu was quite gourmet and the atmosphere cozy with a roaring fireplace and Brazilian jazz music playing in the background. Thus in a tiny, country village!


We had Moroccan-spiced cauliflower toasted with chickpeas.  The pub owner gave us a map of the wineries and off we went.

We were the only visitors.  At the first one, they were offering cases of wine at a very inexpensive price as they had to make room for the next year's crop.  So, we bought 2 cases, to drink while we are here, and to leave for the homeowner.  The only problem was squeezing back into the truck with our purchases.....

At the second winery, we were the only visitors once again.  I recognized the winery's name.....it is the wine served on Virgin Australia's flights.  For some reason, the Shiraz on the flights is  served ice cold; here at room temperature, the wines were much nicer.

 
Back home, George loaded the fireplace with wood and we watched TV in the lounge.

The news tonight is about a killer shark attack killing a woman on a Perth beach, where we were just  a few weeks ago.  As they say, Australia is a dangerous place!  



DINNER:  Leftover fajita chicken with sautéed onions and potatoes.  And.... Some of that nice wine we bought today.  

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