A Frenchman on Kangaroo Island: A vintner’s tale
Wine Business Monthly Jacques Lurton
Australia's Wine Business Monthly
Bordeaux-based flying winemaker Jacques Lurton has completed 21 vintages in Australia, and was recently named in Andrew Jefford’s list of Australia’s 12 best winemakers. Jacques’ love affair with Kangaroo Island started on his honeymoon in 1997, when his mentor Brian Croser and Martin Shaw suggested the new couple visit the sialnd with a view to establishing a vineyard.
In 2000, Jacques created The Islander Estate Vineyards, with a well-defined concept of the wine style he wanted to produce, “My reasoning was based on the selection of the soil, the climate, the aesthetics of the place, the method of production which does not compromise the quality, and the principle that a high-class wine must be the result of a natural balance of all its components.”
The wine list showcasing Kangaroo Island and South Australia at Southern Ocean Lodge has included all Islander Estate labels over its young history; currently in the cellar are:
Wally White Semillon
Yakka Jack Red Blend
Sangiovese
Old Rowley Red Blend
and a favourite amongst guests and the Southern Ocean Lodge team alike is ‘Bark Hut Road’!
More at www.iev.com.au
and read ‘An hour with Jacques Lurton’, by Anthony Madigan as published in Wine Business Monthly, August 2010 (see link above) or at http://www.awbm.com.au/
Southern Ocean Lodge guests remember their stay
GUEST FEEDBACK:
We had a wonderful time. We filled out the card in the room in such a hurry, mentioning Mel, who made a real impression with her relaxed and friendly style and good knowledge of the wines. However, we did omit to mention some of our most important impressions. The lodge is obviously a spectacular and beautifully designed property, but it was the relaxed and knowledgable attention of all the staff that made our stay so memorable. There were many examples, such as always being greeted by name, or our room always being serviced when we were out and about, (I do love it when the fairies come) or Nathan finding a jacket for me when we went to the seals – I was rather unprepared for where we were off to – a bit of a mystery destination. Finally, we didn’t meet the chef – does he sometimes come out to circulate? However, please pass on that we thought the food was fabulous, and so clever, (given that it is a full board deal, and therefore guests might be eating more than they would at home) to keep the menu so fresh, essential, local, and, apart from the marvellous, and thankfully optional, breads, low in carbs, healthy and totally enticing, and the portions small while the whole meal was perfectly balanced and satisfying to all the senses.
We would love to come again, and maybe visit Lord Howe. I am happy for you to ask me for further comments, and you can call on me for my vote in any award poll!
A quirky destination: Kangaroo Island
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- Alternative accommodation on KI (jokes!)
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- A handy map of Australia, found at Southern Ocean Lodge
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- Supplier of life’s necessities: the Vivonne Bay General Store
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- You’ve got mail! Letterboxes at Vivonne Bay
Some ‘off the beaten track’ images of this unique island destination.
$7000 raised for KI Country Education Fund
$7000 raised for Kangaroo Island Country Education
More than $7000 was raised at the first annual dinner for the Kangaroo Island Country Education Fund.
The dinner for 65 people at the Aurora Ozone Hotel included three courses, wine and an auction of eight prestige items – including a night for two at Southern Ocean Lodge and two nights at the Aurora Heavitree Gap Lodge at Alice Springs.
Expedition Lord Howe Day 4
Today the Expedition takes on a longer trek, from the limestone caves at Kelly Hill through the historic Grassdale property to Southern Ocean Lodge.
The moon rises and guests enjoy sunset drinks in the Great Room before heading out to the Hanson Bay Sanctuary for a nocturnal tour and wildlife encounter.
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- Mother kangaroo with her joey
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- Limestone stalactites at Kelly Hill Caves
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- Sunset drinks in the Great Room
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- Hard yakka!
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- Underground caves: Kelly Hill
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- Destination: Southern Ocean Lodge
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- Sunset over Southern Ocean Lodge
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- White sands and blue skies at Hanson Bay
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- Moon rising over Hanson Bay
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- Kangaroo Island … kangaroo!
Expedition Lord Howe Day 3
Today the Expedition heads toward Kangaroo Island’s northwest coast and the Cape Borda Lighthouse. The group take on the Harvey’s Return hike at Ravine des Casoars, and a loop walk to Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Conservation Park.
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- Hiking Harvey’s Return
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- Kangaroo Island hiking
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- Cape Borda Lighthouse
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- Hayley Baillie and Craig Wickham find wildlife
Coming soon: Searching for Platypus at Southern Ocean Lodge
The Platypus Waterholes guided walk is one of the new activities planned for guests at Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island. Here’s a sneak preview…
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- Cape Barren Goose
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- Platypus Waterholes Walk, Flinders Chase
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- Yakka
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- Platypus walk boardwalk
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- Spot the Tamar wallaby
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- Kangaroos along the way
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- Platypus home
Expedition Kangaroo Island 2010
Baillie Lodges is excited to introduce the inaugural ‘Expedition Kangaroo Island’ at Southern Ocean Lodge in July 2010. The week-long program departing 24 July 2010 promises days and nights filled with adventure and learning in the company of like-minded travellers and with Southern Ocean Lodge as ‘luxury base camp’.
We are excited that the renowned naturalist Craig Wickham of Exceptional Kangaroo Island with whom we have worked closely since opening in 2008 will join us as Expedition Kangaroo Island leader.
Southern Ocean Lodge proprietor Hayley Baillie and the Lodge’s own team of naturalist guides will be part of each day’s itinerary, promising a very personal guided experience of the island.
Expedition Kangaroo Island is modelled on the much-loved Expedition Lord Howe programs run at sister property Capella Lodge over the past five years in cooperation with Aurora Expeditions, who are excited to be involved in the project again this year. Our Lord Howe expedition leader, the esteemed island naturalist Ian Hutton will also venture south to join the ‘KI’ contingent.
The program has been designed to allow guests, as ‘expeditioners’ the chance to explore first-hand a complete experience of the beautifully wild Kangaroo Island, showcasing its abundant native wildlife, spirited art, delicious local cuisine and fascinating history. In true expedition style, the week will be filled with interactive ‘hands-on’ adventures, guided walks, marine–based activities and informative presentations.
Download the e-brochure at http://southernoceanlodge.com.au/pdfs/downloads/EKI%20Web.pdf
Wexas Travel have kindly featured the Expedition in their latest news at http://www.wexas.com/1/tailor-made-holiday-news/-9678910.html
We hope to see you there!