Media
A date with Sydney: Wine & beer tasting tour steals our “harts”
Posted on July 5, 2011 by Leah
I lucked out today. Supplier relationship manager Michelle’s hurt her foot at kick boxing over the weekend, and I’m asked to step up to the plate to attend a wine and beer tasting tour at late notice. I looked at sober Aisling who’s gone dry for July, and I know I’ll be taking one for the team tonight.
Who am I kidding? Had I have known able-footed Michelle had this gig teed up tonight I would have seen to it that her foot got caught in the copier or run over by a rogue chair in the office, just to get a look-in to this tour tonight. I love my wine. Four years in the industry taught me that I still know nothing about it, so I’d better keep drinking. And beer – aah, cleansing and refreshing, best out of a microbrewery; light and fruity enough for Sunday sessions under a searing Aussie sun, and too floral for drunks. Yep, I’m totally sucked in by a fancy brew.
I’m out of the office faster than you can say “extended maceration on skins”, and Renee and I head down to Walsh Bay, where we’re met by our guide Janet. There’s more excitement packed into Janet than you’ll find in the whole cast of Glee (two seasons, not just the one). We instantly like her energy, because it’s clear she’s as keen to get into the tour as we are. What begins is some excellent cheese and gris tasting at the Firefly wine bar. I’m taken back to cool climate wine country, sipping a rounded well-balanced Tassie white, followed by a Clair Valley basket press Shiraz with more mulberry and ripe plum on the nose than should be legal on a Tuesday night. My thoughts cast back to our sober Aisling, but I push her out of my mind before the guilt can leave a bitter taste on the palate.
The glasses empty and soon we’re on foot again. Janet lets us in on a few of Sydney’s secrets; we learn of the six o’clock swill, the currency of rum in old Sydney town, and the history of the first vines that were brought to New South Wales. We wander through Argyle Cut towards Wine Odyssey, Sydney’s newest wine appreciation mecca. Its aroma room, the only one of its kind in Australia, and tastings for purchase impressed me the most. It’s the only way I can see myself tasting Grange any time soon, at $28/30mL taster! A highlight here for me is a Cullen cab merlot, a biodynamic beauty from Margaret River (but sorry, not as tops as a stunning little version of the same wine from Cape Jaffa, in SA – shameless plug for mates back home), and a mataro. I don’t even remember the name of it, just that mataro is my new favorite grape. There’s many a discovery to be had at Wine Odyssey – there’s no doubt Lynette and Angela have truly poured their heart and souls into the place.
We head towards our final stop, Harts Pub (corner of Essex & Gloucester St, The Rocks), where a boutique beer tasting is on the agenda. Renee tells me that she doesn’t drink beer and will probably hand over her tastings to me. This is what I love about teamwork. Instead what ensues is a barrage of some of the most exotic beers I have ever heard of, let alone tasted. Renee quickly forgets her promise as she downs a 50mL swig of pear cider and ginger beer respectively. Yes – actual alcoholic ginger beer, with a bouquet that hits you immediately and reminds me of ginger snaps, and a light, refreshing palate with just a hint of sweetness, at 4% alc/vol. I think I’m in love, but that’s until our host James really gets into his spiel about some of their finer brews. A vivacious, exceptionally good looking guy that believes beer is for savoring and not swilling. A halo of light appears around his head and a chorus of angels start singing, and I wonder if I’m intoxicated by his musings or the Australian ale I’m holding in my hand.
Janet and her secrets of Sydney were facinating for me as a newbie to Sydders, but Renee as a local also gets a lot out of tonight’s tour. All in all it’s provided a great Tuesday night out for us. If you’re looking to get to know Sydney a little better, this is the tour for you. And now, Tuesday nights are sorted for us as we know we’ll be back to Harts pub for Tuesday trivia night and a scrumptous meal from their amazing menu – and your phone number, James.
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June 2011 ~ New Tour
MEDIA RELEASE
19th July 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HISTORY WEEK 2010 – FACES IN THE STREET
Join us in History Week 2010 for a walk down the streets of the past and into the lives of those you pass. Explore the biographies of our leaders, those who shaped our world and the worlds of lesser known identities. The History Council of NSW has been running History Week for 14 years to show that history is interesting, relevant and all around us. Each year over 140 events take place across the state. They are generally well-attended and this year will be no exception with the state’s museums, libraries, universities and historical societies unravelling some fabulous and fascinating faces from our past. Characters abound in our streets - now and in the past. Get to know the faces who shaped your local streets. More than 140 events across NSW. Look out for the calendar coming soon and check www.historyweek.com.au
For further information please contact: Janet on 0404 463 664 for Secrets of Sydney Tours, or The History Council of NSW Louisa, Tina or Norelle at Feehan PR Phone: (02) 9252 8715 Phone: 02 9267 2711 Fax: (02) 9252 8716 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Secrets of Sydney are running 'Faces in the Street' tours from Saturday 4th September until Sunday 12th September 2010
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Every Tuesday afternoon at 1.30pm, listen to Janet talk about the 'Secrets' around Sydney, either on the radio, or streaming online
Media Release
1st March 2010
Secrets of Sydney Walking Tours
Today, Secrets of Sydney Walking Tours was launched by the creator and experienced tour guide Janet Lomax, who said that the two unique walking tours offered will enable people to explore the history and experience exclusive locations at affordable prices.
The Secret Saturday CBD Walking Tour begins in the interior of the General Post Office building and includes sampling some of Australia´s finest regional olive oils, a stopover at an antiques and collectables store, a delicious cupcake, a visit to a store selling pink diamonds, opals and south sea pearls, as well as enjoying refreshments at one of Sydney´s finest watering holes.
The Secret Sunday Walking Tour explores The Rocks and Walsh Bay and includes sampling boutique Australian wines, exploring a puppet store in underground caves, refreshments at Walsh Bay, and a visit to a famous historic pub with live music.
The CBD Tour operates every Saturday starting at 2pm, and The Rocks/Walsh Bay Tour operates every Sunday starting at 2pm. Both tours are suited to Sydneysiders and visitors who want to experience hidden locations and unique destinations at $55.00 per adult for approximately three hours.
Discounts of 10 per cent are being offered exclusively on the CBD Tour for world-class Australian premium extra virgin olive oils, vinegars and wild Victorian olives from Pendolino’s Tasting Room, as well as on pink diamonds, opals and south sea pearls from Vollé Jewellery.
Creator of Secrets of Sydney Walking Tours, Janet Lomax, who is a committee member of the Australian Institute of Tour Guides, said that these tours give both Sydneysiders and visitors another reason to venture into the city on the weekend and explore Sydney’s amazing history.
“These tours enable people to visit unknown and unexpected locations while learning about both early and contemporary Sydney. The professional and passionate guides will tell Sydney´s stories of survival, fortune and tragedy that are the secrets that make our nation unique.
“My passion for the amazing history and quirky stories of Sydney is the reason that I have created Secrets of Sydney Walking Tours. As I learnt about the hidden journeys, astounding characters and beautiful architecture, I knew I could create tours that both Sydneysiders and visitors can enjoy together,” Janet said.
Private tours for individuals and families are also offered upon request, and the Secrets of Sydney Walking Tour guides can be flexible in order to suit the customer’s needs and wants.
For further information regarding the meeting points, please visit www.secretsofsydney.com.au
Information and media contact: Janet Lomax 0404 463 664
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web: www.secretsofsydney.com.au
Images available on request