Edition 38 – January 2008

UNSEASONAL RAINS PACK A PUNCH AT THE VINEYARD

What a weekend! You may have seen some images on Sunday night's news that as a result of a deluge across South-East Queensland on Friday night the Canungra Creek burst its banks unable to cope with water coming down from the mountain. The flood waters did cause some damage, particularly to the eastern side of the Vineyard where we completely lost our Semillon vines.

Our new Wine Cellar copped a fair force and was under a couple of feet of water, and obviously a fair bit of damage was sustained to the gardens and landscaping. Thankfully the homestead was untouched, our Chambourcin survived, and we are looking forward to harvesting in March.

The clean-up has begun with the worst already undertaken. We're currently closed for essential repairs, and we will advise the moment we are open. We're planning a working bee for later in the year when we replant the vineyard and a HUGE thank you to those members who have offered their assistance already. (P.S: Check out our 'Catch of the Day' on the right!).

The good news is that while some stock has been damaged (labels only), we still have enough to stock up your racks!  

WINE OF THE MONTH - Shane Reserve Shiraz 2005

Recently released and already awarded three Bronze Medals plus a position in the Top 50 at the 2007 Visy Great Australian Shiraz Challenge (number 39!). This was the only Queensland Shiraz to reach the top 50 out of a field of 416 Australian Shiraz's.

With vibrant colours of ruby red with a splash of purple, the Shane Shiraz has aromas of cherries, rasberries with spicy nutmeg and cinnamon overtones. Velvet tannins balance the palate enriched by liquorice and sweet plum flavours. Drinking well now, but will also cellar well for anotehr 5 years and is expected to develop rich spicy flavours with a firm, lingering palate.

Stock up on your supply of Shane Reserve 05...
Member's Price: $234.00 per case - that's only $26.00 per bottle!
Also available as limited edition 3L jeraboam with display box for $125.00 (members price)
Remember to order by the carton to receive your 25% member's discount.
Order now via our website order form

MENU REVIEW

By Judy Youngs

Pistachio and Lemon Crusted Lamb Rump on Crushed Chats Potatoes, Wilted Spinach and Minted Carrot Fondue - $27.50

"What do Bugs Bunny and the Vintage Restaurant have in common? Carrots! It is amazing what Chef Rob Wauters has done with the humble carrot - carrot fondue, a playful experience to anyone's taste buds. The crushed chats potatoes and wilted spinach enhances the succulent pistachio and lemon crusted lamb rump. One of those moments when a meal becomes almost spiritual."

Try our delicious new summer menu, including the Pistachio and Lemon Crusted Lamb Rump, at Vintage Restaurant. Book your table now on 07 5543 4011.

DIARY DATES

SNIPS AND SNAGS HARVEST BBQ

Our first call out for this event has resulted in a fantastic response from our members. Unfortunately we have had to cancel our Semillon harvest due to the vines being lost in recent flooding, however we still do have places available for the Chambourcin harvest. Anticipated harvest date for the Chambourcin is the first or second Saturday in March. Join us for this fantastic family experience, with a fun morning of harvesting grapes, followed by a ‘Bubbles and BBQ’ Breakfast and grape stomping! We start at 5:30am with tea, coffee and pastries and the harvest will commence at 6:00am. You will need to wear a hat, bring gardening gloves and wear sturdy boots or shoes. We will provide you with the snips, buckets, suncream, insect repellant, bandaids and instructions - and of course a delicious BBQ breakfast when we're done!

To register, call the Vineyard on 07 5543 4011 or e-mail Samantha on wine@oreillys.com.au. Numbers are limited, all ages are welcome. It's always a great day so we look forward to seeing you there! 

Actual harvest date will be advised closer to the time and is dependent on weather and harvest conditions. 

A WEEKEND OF ROMANCE - 16th-17th February

Spoil your loved one this Valentine's Day weekend with a special lunch for two at the Vineyard...

The Romantics Picnic Basket
A delicious gourmet picnic basket plus a bottle of Picnic Bubbles and a gift box of Silky Oak chocolates. All this for $65.00 per basket (member's price)
~ or ~
A Passionate Lunch
A two-course lunch from our a la carte menu with Valentine's specials including a bottle of Picnic Bubbles and a gift box of Silky Oak chocolates. All this for $49.50 per person (member's price)

Bookings essential. Please quote 'Romantics Picnic' or 'A Passionate Lunch' when booking.  

EASTER - 21st-24th March

Easter comes early this year, falling at the end of March. We will be closed on Friday 21st March for Good Friday, but will be open again from Saturday, operating at our normal hours over the rest of the weekend. Bookings are essential for the restaurant during this busy weekend.  

SPECIAL MEMBER'S WINE LAUNCH - 5th April

Shane Shiraz 2006, Viola Cabernet 2006 and the new Lona Sparkling Semillon 2007

Join us for this special member's event to welcome the latest addition to our range, our new Lona Sparkling Semillon, along with the new releases of our popular Shiraz and Cabernet. Stay on for lunch at 'Vintage' and enjoy our special 'launch' menu - $38.00 for two-courses or $45.00 for three-courses. Alternatively, book a picnic or BBQ basket to enjoy while you relax beside the creek. 

VINEYARD NEWS 

CHRISTMAS DAY

Fortune smiled upon us for the weather on Christmas Day, especially for the picnickers. A vigorous game of creekside cricket was played, plenty of seafood, turkey and ham was consumed, and everyone went home replete! The Christmas Buffet was a popular option this year and we will continue with a buffet for next Christmas as well as the picnic baskets. Thank you to our member's who joined us to celebrate this special occasion.

MEMBER DETAILS UPDATES

Samantha and Keer are updating our members contact details over the next few months. Please e-mail wine@oreillys.com.au with your preferred method of contact, or to update your contact details.

Wishing you all the best of fortunes for 2008 and we look forward to welcoming you to the Vineyard at one of the next events or for your own celebration. Cheers!
The Vineyard Team

O'REILLY'S SPECIAL OFFER

As an O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyards Platinum Member, O'Reilly's would like to extend this special offer...

~ Summer Escape Package ~

Treat yourself to a summer escape and enjoy...

• Accommodation in a Mountain View Room
• Full Buffet Breakfast daily

For only
$116.00 per person, per night, twin share (Sun – Fri nights)
OR
$136.00 per person, per night, twin share (Sat night)

Rate based on two adults twin share. Not valid with any other offer. Valid for Platinum Members Only. Subject to availability at time of booking. Conditions apply. Valid between 01.12.07 – 23.12.07 and 10.01.08 - 29.02.08.

To book, call Reservations at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat on 1800 688 722.