The Wandering Tops: Rutherglen winery tour & birthday bash

The reason for our stay in Albury was not only to endure the cold but to celebrate our daughter Briony's 30th birthday. Briony insisted that it was a mile stone so a celebration was to be had!! It was to be a mystery winery tour taking in some of the winery's in the Rutherglen area and dress was 'race attire'. Family and friends had flown in from all points of Australia so a good time was to be had.

The birthday girl and dad

First Winery, Morris - before sampling (no sunnies)

Only one winery into the day and the sunnies are starting to come out

First tasting for the day "I can do this".

Olive tasting at Gooramadda Olives

John Gehrig wines, very friendly and nice wines

Hels was happy to play Granny with the kids rather than taste .... but then she did get 2 bottles of wine!!

The bus picked us up from the caravan park at 10 am and we headed across the mighty Murray into the depths of the Victorian wine area of Rutherglen. The first stop was Morris wines, (Hels has taken over writing this blog report as she has a clearer recollection.... might be an age thing) followed by a visit to Gooramadda Olives where we sampled various olive products and was informed by the lovely owner regarding their history and products available. Quite a few purchases were made from this stop and would highly recommend a visit if anyone is passing this way. Continuing our journey, with Briony consuming her first of many wine 'roadies" supplied by her guests, we called into John Gehrig Winery which is a family run business and also highly recommended for a visit. By this time Geoff and I were hanging out for a coffee so called into The Wicked Virgin boutique winery where the service was far from friendly (perhaps the lady had a bad day) although the setting was beautiful. We sat outside in the beautiful sunshine enjoying a bottle of wine supplied by Todd. Continuing our journey we tried to get into 'The Pickled Sisters' for lunch however quite a number of other people had the same idea so we lunched at the Victoria Hotel situated in Rutherglen. Once again more wine was had and a glow was appearing in all faces! After lunch we visited and sampled wines at Campbells, Pfieffers where we had cheese, dip and biscuits on a bridge - even feeding the carp and tortises, Cofields & All Saints. At this stage only one guest 'fell' out the bus (but no names hey Nat!) which was good going considering the number of samples participated at each winery.

Sunnies on, getting into the tasting now

Todd, that sherry is for later .... now get on the bus

"Before I get too old and the wheels fall off, I want to ....."

Enjoying the ambience in The Wicked Virgin gardens

Wooden horses at Campbell Wines - Briony couldn't work out why her head was swaying and they weren't rocking horses.

I'd like to take one of those barrels home for "Crawf"

What can you say?

Having cheese and wine over the river at Pfeiffers Wines

Suppose to be looking at the fish .... ha

Nearing the end of the day at Cofield Wines

I don't know what you are but I worship you.

Note at the end of the day see how mum & dad are holding the young-ins upright

The wine tour completed at approx. 5.30pm with Geoff & I being dropped off at the Caravan Park to take care of all the bottles of wine purchased by various guests, and the young'uns continuing into town for dinner and a few drinks ( as you do after a day of wine tasting). We drove into town and upon arriving at the Mexican Restaurant the sight ahead was alarming! There they were drinking various margaritas out of 'fish bowls' - and not to be outdone, Geoff was conned into ordering one and with a little help from Nat, his choice was the most potent!! Not only did I have some little chickens to look after I also had an old Rooster to try to manage. My night was going to be 'challenging'. Upon completion of dinner and the fish bowls Geoff and I drove back to the Caravan Park leaving the birthday party to find some more entertainment in town.

The famous "Fish Bowl Margareta"

Like raspberry cordial with a kick of Sambuca ..hic!

I can do this, just work with me

On the Sunday which was the actual Birthday date, we celebrated again with brunch at the River Café on the banks of the Murray River which was a lovely setting. After participating of the birthday cake it was time to take guests to their various means of transport for their journeys back home. All in all it was a fantastic celebration with family and friends.