Penfolds Magill Estate Adelaide, Australia Situated in Adelaide, South Australia, and at the center of the Barossa Valley, Penfolds Magill Estate is one of the top wineries in the world. Established in 1884 by an English doctor who believed in the medicinal value of wine, today, the winery is internationally renowned. The Barossa Valley is considered one of the country's most important wine regions, home to Shiraz, Grenache and Sauvignon Blanc. Sitting above five hectares/12 acres of Shiraz vines is the Magill Estate Restaurant which offers a menu designed to enhance and accentuate Penfolds wines. If you visit the winery, be sure to dine at the award-winning restaurant. The winery's iconic wine range, Pensfold Grange, has been lauded as Australia's greatest red wine - and for good reason. The richly textured wine is also one of its most expensive; the 1951 Grange has sold for $50,000. Full of dimension and power, the 2004 Penfolds Grange was hailed "almost perfect" by much of the Australian Press, although 1990 and 1998 are considered its best years. For reservations, call +61 8 8301 5551. www.penfolds.com Alternatively, view the vineyards from above in a hot air balloon ride, complete with champagne breakfast. Visit www.balloonadventures.com.au for more information. Beringer Vineyards Napa Valley, California Beringer Vineyards is one of Napa Valley's earliest wineries, and the oldest continuously operating winery in the valley, dating back to 1876. St. Helena Home Vineyard is what originally attracted founder Jacob Beringer and has been part of the original estate ever since 1875. The Cabernet Sauvignon produced by grapes from this vineyard is a key component of its Private Reserve. Located 1,800 feet on Howell Mountain, Bancroft Ranch Vineyard produces intense Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc for use in Beringer's Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Take a Vintage Legacy Tour of the winery for $40 per person and experience Beringer from vineyard to bottle. The tour will include a visit to the Old Stone Winery for a barrel tasting of a pre-release wine in the caves. A sample of three more Reserve or limited release wines in the cellar tasting room completes the tour. Book a reservation online, or call 001 707 963 8989 ext. 2222 www.beringer.com Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape, RhÙne Valley, France Situated in the RhÙne Valley, home to some of France's oldest vines, Beaucastel has built its reputation and is now one of the most celebrated estates in Chateauneuf du Pape. The winery is also renowned for producing expensive wines, with current vintages selling for £50/$68 a bottle. The Beaucastels were one of the more notable families in the region when they started producing wine in 1321. Today, owned by the Perrin family, Beaucastel uses mourvËdre in its red wines while within its collection of white, the focus is on roussanne. Hommage ‡ Jacques Perrin 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape is made from the oldest part of mourvËdre at Beaucastel. Only 5,000 bottles of this exclusive wine are available as production is limited to good vintages. Visits are by appointment only. Contact +33 (0) 490 70 41 00 or email familleperrin@beaucastel.com
www.beaucastel.com For this and other articles please see the June issue of Exec Digital