Canberra AFF winery meetup

[ajd]

Several of us may be looking for a designated driver, depending upon final arrangements, so you sound like you could fill the role and still enjoy the day and the company !!

Whilst I have a licence, I don't own a car I'm afraid!

 

[straitman]

Whilst I have a licence, I don't own a car I'm afraid!

‘If’ I get there I’ll have a car but won’t want to drive!

 

[ALH]

Definitely interested. Wine & Lunch. We’d hire a car for the weekend but not keen to drive after a wine tour

 

[harvyk]

If there is enough people how about hiring a bus? There are bus companies which do winery tours, I'll give one a call and find out the price if people want.

 

[kookaburra75]

If there is enough people how about hiring a bus? There are bus companies which do winery tours, I'll give one a call and find out the price if people want.

We went on a tour with Canberra Winery Tours last weekend, and it was well organised, with good communication from the Carol at the company. It included several wineries (McKellar Ridge, Vitner's Daughter, Clonakilla, Shaw's, Granitevale), and lunch at the new restaurant at Shaw's. We were in a mini bus with another couple, but they also had a larger 20odd seater for a hens party that was following along behind us. We received a voucher for a wedding gift, so I don't know what the cost was. They picked us up and dropped us off at home.

I think they can put together custom tours, and would certainly recommend them. Harvyk - their phone number is 6299 9898.

 

[CMA222]

I am interested, depending upon the logistics and timing. Saturday would probably suit me better. Has any consideration been given to a shared cost mini bus with a designated (non-drinker?) driver to minimise the number of cars and drivers, leaving from a central point. Maybe two wineries then lunch at a third would work, without as much hurry.

Looks like we are making progress. The tour sounds workable but better not to be rushing from one winery to the next when a leisurely lunch is the final objective.

 

[Kiwi]

Interested in attending. A Saturday would suit me best. Also keen on the bus idea.

 

[TomVexille]

Looks like we are making progress. The tour sounds workable but better not to be rushing from one winery to the next when a leisurely lunch is the final objective.

I agree, 3 including lunch is a good amount IMO

 

[dmgale]

Interested!

 

[Mattg]

Has there been any progress on this? It would be good to lock in a date for sometime in March

 

[CMA222]

Has there been any progress on this? It would be good to lock in a date for sometime in March

I think we lack an "on the ground" organiser and while many are interested in attending we do not have someone with local knowledge and contacts to make the arrangements. There must be a local or two who can assist. The periodic AFF dinners at the "Kingo" (Kingston Hotel) must have some regular locals. Just putting it out there in the interests of moving forward.

 

[Mattg]

I think we lack an "on the ground" organiser and while many are interested in attending we do not have someone with local knowledge and contacts to make the arrangements. There must be a local or two who can assist. The periodic AFF dinners at the "Kingo" (Kingston Hotel) must have some regular locals. Just putting it out there in the interests of moving forward.

Fair enough. I could put my hand up to organise this, perhaps with some assistance from one of the regular CBR AFFers.

I've had a look around, and if we used one of the local winery tour companies the cost would be around $100+ each. I'd be happy to make some enquiries but don't think we'll get the cost down too much. Otherwise, we could look at hiring a minibus and/or just take a few cars (but some people won't be able to drink much). Any thoughts?

Also, how would Saturday 24 March work for everyone?

 

[get me outta here]

I’m happy to help if I can. I don’t know anything about wineries, but other than that ask me anything ...

 

[Mattg]

I’m happy to help if I can. I don’t know anything about wineries, but other than that ask me anything ...

You wouldn't happen to be able to drive a mini-van, would you?

 

[get me outta here]

Except that.

You wouldn't happen to be able to drive a mini-van, would you?

 

[Doug_Westcott]

Also, how would Saturday 24 March work for everyone?

24 March works for me. Coming from Melbourne I won’t have a car.

 

[CMA222]

.............Also, how would Saturday 24 March work for everyone?

I had already had a look at available organised tours but they seemed to be all inclusive (including lunch) and started at $180 pp. Except for the lack of flexibility they looked OK. 24 March is the day of the final EK flight from AKL to MEL and I, with four other AFF'ers are on that flight. If that date suits others then please proceed.

 

[Mattg]

Except that.

No problem! If anyone else is able/willing to volunteer to drive, please speak up

I had already had a look at available organised tours but they seemed to be all inclusive (including lunch) and started at $180 pp. Except for the lack of flexibility they looked OK. 24 March is the day of the final EK flight from AKL to MEL and I, with four other AFF'ers are on that flight. If that date suits others then please proceed.

We could consider other dates. The weekends before and after also suit me, but Easter is on 1 April.

I did see some other options closer to the $100 mark, for example:

Private Groups - Vines & Wines
Wine Tours Down Under

But by far the most cost-effective (and flexible) option is to hire a minivan for the day and do a DIY tour. We'd just need somebody to drive.

 

[RoMambai]

I have the bambini every second weekend which unfortunately rules out 24 March. If another dates emerges (ie every other weekend) I'd be interested.

 

[Mattg]

I have the bambini every second weekend which unfortunately rules out 24 March. If another dates emerges (ie every other weekend) I'd be interested.

Definitely happy to look at other dates. Just putting 24 March out there as a starting point.