Wine Machine in the QF SYD J Lounge

[Flying Fox]

Looks a bit like my fridge. Without the Grange and need for points spend...

Fantastic!!!

What time do we all come over?

 

[Ewing]

At 2500pts for 25mL I doubt they run out all that often

In that case, the most important question is - how often are the bottles refreshed?

It may be Grange, but I don't think I'd like to be sampling it after it's been open for a few weeks...

 

[opusman]

It may be Grange, but I don't think I'd like to be sampling it after it's been open for a few weeks

In theory these dispensing machines keep the wine fresh by pressurising the bottles with an inert gas (argon or similar). Not sure how effective they are though.

 

[drewbles]

In theory these dispensing machines keep the wine fresh by pressurising the bottles with an inert gas (argon or similar). Not sure how effective they are though.

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Wine Dispensers | Wine Dispensing Systems

From what I can see it should allow it to stay open for 'several days to several weeks'. I'm guessing they are taking a punt putting the Grange and Hill of Grace there, in that people will splurge to try it.

 

[Singaporstralian]

Firstly, my apologies for the revival of this thread from a lurker...

Rarely need to use what few QF points I have, and I heard about these Epiqure machine installations from reading an article online. In short, I have 5,005 points and would rather use it up for 2x 25ml or even top up my QF account up to 6,500 points to go for Da Big One. I figure even if I have to buy up to those points for $57, I'll do it since I rarely get the chance..

Few questions:

-Flying SYD-SIN on BA, will have access to the SYD Int'l Flounge. Have they somehow installed this wondrous machine in either the Int'l J or F SYD lounges? Forgive my stupidity, I only have OWE status now with BA.
-Are there *any* other locations with this machine domestically? I only have a MEL-HBA JQ flight on the 18th, haven't booked my ticket out of Tassie for HBA-MEL/SYD (both options open in case Epiqure machine accessable). Can I access any of these machines upon domestic arrival? I'm guessing no...
-Is this machine ONLY able to dispense the alcamahol upon swiping of the QF FF card? I've no idea where I've stashed my card but I've got a few ideas where to start looking if I can somehow use it. I bet it'll be a couple of years old as well!

I wouldn't mind telling the lounge agent my QF FFP number and letting them do the necessary deduction, I do know my password and everything!

Cheers all and do let me down gently

 

[markis10]

You don't need the Wine machine in the F lounge, what's on offer complimentary will be adequate

 

[medhead]

I've not yet seen Grange in the F lounge.

SYD domestic J lounge has a machine. I think you need to swipe your card. You can get grange 25ml for 4500 points.

 

[drewbles]

I've not yet seen Grange in the F lounge.

SYD domestic J lounge has a machine. I think you need to swipe your card. You can get grange 25ml for 4500 points.

They do sometimes have the Henschke Kyneton Eurphorium which, whilst not Grange or Hill of Grace, is still an amazing drop (and usually around $40-50/bottle).

 

[boomy]

I had the Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2010 at the F lounge and it retails for $90.

 

[TheRealTMA]

I had the Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2010 at the F lounge and it retails for $90.

Drinking a 2010 Clonakilla is somewhat of a travesty... Far too young. Should put one on the young wine offenders reporting list for years!

 

[Singaporstralian]

I'm pretty much up for the Grange or Hill of Grace (and at a stretch, the Henschke), since I am unlikely to spend that much on a retail bottle. The complimentary tipples are almost certain to leave me wanting, markis10, as I do want to try the best drop on offer in Oz... without blowing full price on retail.

I have already made a trip to Clonakilla in late May this year and can safely say I have two bottles of purchased Shiraz Viognier awaiting the perfect moment currently

This is 90% about the Grange... any answers to the three questions from the gurus here?

Thanks in advance again, everyone!

 

[drewbles]

I'm pretty much up for the Grange or Hill of Grace (and at a stretch, the Henschke), since I am unlikely to spend that much on a retail bottle. The complimentary tipples are almost certain to leave me wanting, markis10, as I do want to try the best drop on offer in Oz... without blowing full price on retail.

I have already made a trip to Clonakilla in late May this year and can safely say I have two bottles of purchased Shiraz Viognier awaiting the perfect moment currently

This is 90% about the Grange... any answers to the three questions from the gurus here?

Thanks in advance again, everyone!

The Hill of Grace is Henschke as Grange is to Penfolds.

I've been in the fortunate situation where I have had a bottle of Grange (I believe it was a 1994, it was several years ago now).

It was an outstanding wine. Worth the $600 plus? Hell no. It was a special treat dad had lying away in his cellar.

The Hill of Grace similarly. Both excellent wines, but it's a case that the difference between a $6 bottle of red and a $40 bottle of red is typically vast. The difference between a $50 and a $500 bottle can be very small.

Everyone should try Grange and HoG IMHO though

 

[Singaporstralian]

Thanks for clarifying regarding the HoG/Henschke - so as far as things go, it seems there's only one place with this special machine, and it's in the domestic terminal, not the international side, and definitely not in the Int'l F flagship lounge (where it arguably should be)... if I fly into SYD from HBA, can I somehow get in? Perhaps before taking the airside bus transfer? Or only on a same day departure in the international terminal?

When I spend a few hundred dollars on a bottle, it tends to swing towards the French first growths, hence I really want a chance with the Grange

 

[drewbles]

Thanks for clarifying regarding the HoG/Henschke - so as far as things go, it seems there's only one place with this special machine, and it's in the domestic terminal, not the international side, and definitely not in the Int'l F flagship lounge (where it arguably should be)... if I fly into SYD from HBA, can I somehow get in? Perhaps before taking the airside bus transfer? Or only on a same day departure in the international terminal?

When I spend a few hundred dollars on a bottle, it tends to swing towards the French first growths, hence I really want a chance with the Grange

Arguably, the F lounge should have these wines free already

You are entitled to go into the SYD lounge if you want if you have time and then venture over to the International terminal

 

[Princess Fiona]

This is 90% about the Grange... any answers to the three questions from the gurus here?

Thanks in advance again, everyone!

Don't know about the guru part but:
It's only available in the SYD J Lounge on a trial basis, not anywhere else.
You cannot access the SYD J Lounge on an arrival basis unless you are a QFF WP or P1.
You can only pay using QFF points there is no cash or points plus pay option.

 

[medhead]

Don't know about the guru part but:
It's only available in the SYD J Lounge on a trial basis, not anywhere else.
You cannot access the SYD J Lounge on an arrival basis unless you are a QFF WP or P1.
You can only pay using QFF points there is no cash or points plus pay option.

But should be able to access with an onward departure. :?:

 

[Singaporstralian]

You are entitled to go into the SYD lounge if you want if you have time and then venture over to the International terminal

Does this require me being strictly QF WP or P1 (as Princess Fiona mentions)?

Don't know about the guru part but:
It's only available in the SYD J Lounge on a trial basis, not anywhere else.
You cannot access the SYD J Lounge on an arrival basis unless you are a QFF WP or P1.
You can only pay using QFF points there is no cash or points plus pay option.

Thanks for clarifying that there's only that one Epiqure machine in existence currently! Very much obliged indeed

I'm not QF WP or P1, but I do have a domestic QF lounge visit pass in hand (although my intention is I won't have an onwards BP/flight in hand on that same day at this time, as I might want to spend my last night down under in SYD). I have also the option of flying in from MEL 24 hours before. I'm not entirely certain if I'll be allowed entry upon arrival with a pass, however?

I figure with EK in the picture now BA Golds aren't looked kindly upon anymore