briefs
PAXTON’S NEW LOOK
LEADING McLaren Vale organic and biodynamic wine producer Paxton Wines has unveiled refreshed label designs for the first time in 15 years. Paxton has worked closely with Parallax Designs in Adelaide on the project, which had three core objectives - to give the labels a more current, fresh and lively look; clearly define the different tiers within the portfolio of wines and tell the Paxton brand and vineyard management story with a deeper message. “With our premium range, the single sites, we wanted the vineyard’s stories to be the focus, hence why we put it on the front of the label,” says owner David Paxton. “And the bee has been our mascot in biodynamic farming for almost 15 years, back when we first adopted these viticultural philosophies.”
Paxton has been cultivating family-owned vineyards since 1979, with viticulturist Paxton and winemaker Richard Fairbairn embracing organics and biodynamics and being fully certified since 2011.
GLAMPING IN STYLE
QUEENSLAND’S first winery glamping experience is a 30-minute drive south of Brisbane at Sirromet Wines Estate.
Sanctuary by Sirromet features 18 safari-style glamping tents on a 8ha property among the natural flora and wildlife. Family-owned Sirromet Winery, known for helping put Queensland wines on the national map, says this is only stage one of the project.
“We have wanted to create a unique accommodation offering here at Sirromet for some time and Sanctuary by Sirromet is both in keeping with the natural surroundings whilst offering that extra level of comfort that couples, families and bridal parties are looking for,” said Sirromet owner Terry Morris. Approval has been given for 54 sites in total, scattered over the property which will take shape over the next 12 months. On completion, Sirromet will have invested over $10 million into the new tourism infrastructure.
“We are concentrating on the first 18 sites for now to ensure the product offering is perfected for our guests before we start planning further sites,” said general manager Rod Hill. Rates will start from $280 to $480 per night (minimum two-night stay), including accommodation and locally sourced breakfast hamper.
The site is home to a large population of wildlife, including kookaburras, goannas, owls, a large variety of native birds and resident wallabies that graze freely around and under the decks as guests take in the views over a breakfast hamper or with a glass of wine as the sun goes down. The 18 spacious tents, comprised of 15 couples’ tents, two for families and one specially fitted out bridal suite, are made from durable double-layered all-weather canvas and offer a natural yet elegant decor in keeping with the surroundings. Interiors feature luxurious beds with top-of-the-line linen and bedding, bedside tables and lamps and reverse cycle airconditioning to cater for all seasons. Two large day chairs inside as well as outdoor table and chairs allow guests to relax and enjoy a Sirromet wine from the mini-bar. All tents feature en-suites with vanity, shower and toilet, and touches like hair dryers, irons and free wi-fi will also be available. The tents are TV-free.
Guests can choose to enjoy their meals at any of the three onsite venues at Sirromet, including The Cellar Door Cafe for casual dining, Tuscan Terrace, an Italian inspired alfresco restaurant and Restaurant Lurleen’s, an award-winning fine dining experience. All are located a five-minute walk or mini-buggy ride from the Sanctuary site. Visit www.sanctuarybysirromet.com.
