Wine and Dessert

Ahhh, the bliss of being on holiday - properly on holiday, away from home so chores can't call, normal activities don't fit in and days can be dedicated to doing not much more than eating, sleeping and reading a good book.

I'm spending time with S's family in Adelaide and I've discovered that while my family is known for our over catering, S's family has taken that to heart in regards to dessert.  I don't think there has been a night with less than 4 on offer and if you eat less than 2 people think there is something wrong.  At this point we have eaten two whole trifles, two cakes, a series of mango puddings, a pavlova, a Christmas pudding, roasted strawberries and a whole host of chocolates and other "snack" desserts.  It may come as no shock to you that I'm using any opportunity possible to get out for a walk.

But yesterday we took a break from the endless desserts and drove up to the Barossa Valley for a day of wine tasting.  We visited 6 wineries (I think) and Maggie Beer's farm as well as having a delicious pub lunch.

I love winery tours.  The chance to try so many great wines is never something to turn down, but there is just something lovely about wineries.

 Stepping out of the hot South Australian sun into the cool of a tasting room.  Being surrounded by giant oak wine barrels.  Hearing about the wines from passionate wine makers.  Oh and did I mention tasting the wine?

Luckily we had a chauffeur for the day.  S's Dad was kind enough to drive us around, choosing the smaller more boutique wineries for us to visit.  We drove past the giants - Penfolds, Jacob's Creek, etc - but it is the little labels that is the joy to discover on such a day.  It was in the tiny wineries where we tasted some delicious gems - it is only limited carry on space that prevented me buying many bottles.

It was great fun to visit Maggie Beer's farm shop and see where "The Cook and The Chef" was filmed.  But it was by far the busiest place of the visit and we really only lingered long enough to buy some of her icecream to eat (well it was hot and as you can tell it had been several hours since we had eaten a dessert).

Finally, the heat and the alcohol combined to create a car full of sleepy passengers, so we headed back into town where we were once again confronted by the desserts on offer.  As you can tell, I'm having a fantastic break.