Penfolds take over

So today we visited a ruined castle and a Chateau we hadn't previously visited.

 
The vineyard buildings at Chateau Lanassan were a bit tired but the guide told us that several were to be renovated. 

An Australian company has bought a 75,% interest in the business. I asked if it was Penfolds and she told us that it's one of three French vineyards in which Penfolds has a large interest.

 
I immediately took more interest in the site. Some pics follow.

Empty vats as new ones are being installed

It was our guide's first time guiding a large group. She did well

Spa bath?

An old building at the Chateau

Pink Bubbles

Shared this rather nice pink bubbly this evening, thanks to daughter and son-in-law. Might have to visit the Peterson House winery to get some stock as it's not far from home.

Elderly Bikies

Yesterday we made use of a Christmas voucher for a 2 hour tour in the Hunter Valley. It was on a motor bike/trike with Hunter Trikes. What a super gift it was.

Both Robert and I enjoyed the exhilarating experience of riding through the Hunter Valley, a premium Australian wine region which is less than an hour from our home. That it was a glorious autumn day added our overall delight.

I took over one hundred photos and videos during our tour some of which I will share below.

Our adventure kicked off at Hunter Trikes in Lovedale where we were fitted out with helmets and given  safety instructions and information about our ride. I was a trifle anxious but was quickly put at ease by our guide and driver, Darren. 

Safety gear

On board

Once ready we set off for a half hour's ride past many of the vineyards in the area. It was a comfortable, breezy ride which provided stunning, uninterrupted views.

Off we go

We passed a few locals along the way

Hunter vines

Darren took several photos of the bikies when we stopped

Our stop was at the delightful Tintilla Estate where we enjoyed a wine tasting and grazing platter while drinking in the sweeping views across the vineyard. Our host, John, chatted with us about winegrowing in general and the wines from Tintilla. 

Tintilla Estate

Tasting and Grazing

Pleasant outlook

Tintilla Produce

Vines at Tintilla

Having demolished the nibblies and sampling the wine it was back on the bike/trike for a scenic ride back to Lovedale.

Elderly Bikies at Tintilla

We were in good hands.

We would both recommend Darren and Hunter Trikes for a spin around the valley.

The Adelaide Hills

Strawberries, wine, beer and chocolates. We sampled them all during our expedition to the Adelaide Hills in South Australia today.

Taste Test

The Haul

Temptation

Nepenthe Winery

Lobenthal Bierhaus

Tasting Paddle

Bridgewater Mill