The Social Program
The social program has been organised to encompass the many and varied activities, wineries and scenic beauty offered by the Mornington Peninsula. Just 180 minutes from Melbourne CBD (Victoria), the Peninsula boasts spectacular coastlines, rugged scenery and arguably some of Australia's most coveted pinot noir. To maximize these opportunities selected accompanying persons' activities are also offered at the same time that delegates are being intellectually stimulated in the business sessions. After morning sessions, for those interested, we will participate in bicycle rides of varying levels visiting a number of wineries en route. Hikes led by a local artist will also be offered, which will also include some winery visits. For those wishing to tour further a field on their own, vineyard and touring maps are available. And for those who wish to simply relax and indulge, the highly regarded Endota Spa is conveniently located within the hotel.DAY 1 WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2007
Midmorning
Rendezvous at Melbourne Airport for transfer to Mornington Peninsula (Tour Hosts will liaise to ensure timely meeting of flights for those transferring from Adelaide post APAA - please see registration page for further details).
15.00 Warm-up bike ride to picturesque Arthurs Seat, the best known landscape feature of the Mornington Peninsula area. Alternate bus transfer to Arthurs Seat and warm up hike around the Arthurs Seat State Park area. Riders and hikers will be rewarded with views of the Port Philip Bay area and a well deserved drink in the local tavern.
20.00 Gastronomic dinner featuring local produce matched with local wines in The Linden Tree, the gourmet restaurant of our hotel.
DAY 2 THURSDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2007
8.30 - 11.30 Business Program. Optional accompanying persons program (visit to nearby Red Hill Cheese Factory for hands on cheese making lesson and tasting).
12.00 Collect packaged lunch (many vineyards also offer additional dining facilities). Bike the "Red Hill Loop" - a circular ride which will incorporate stops at the spectacular and award winning wineries of Red Hill Estate, Montalto & Paringa Estate (optional extension rides available for the keen).
19.00 Transfer to 'Stillwater @ Crittenden' for a tutored tasting of the vineyard's elegant wine collection while overlooking this magnificent rural property, to be followed by a dinner featuring contemporary dishes created from regional produce.
Overnight Lindenderry, Mornington Peninsula.
DAY 3 FRIDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2007
8.30 - 11.30 Business Program. Optional accompanying persons program (visit nearby award winning chocolate factory - for those willing to start a little earlier wild kangaroo sightings may also be possible).
12.00 Collect packaged lunch (many vineyards also offer additional dining facilities). Bike the "Main Ridge Loop" - a circular ride which will incorporate a winemaking tour of Vidoni Estate, a boutique local winery, as well as visits to renowned wineries T'Gallant and Ten Minutes By Tractor (optional cycle extensions available for those willing to ride a little further).
19.00 Transfer to The Vines of Red Hill to enjoy wine tasting on the Tuscan - inspired hilltop terrace, before dining inside the glass-walled dining room with vineyard and eucalyptus gum views and enjoying the Mediterranean inspired food of this 'one hat rated' restaurant.
Overnight Lindenderry, Mornington Peninsula
DAY 4 SATURDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2007
8.00 - 11.00 Business Program
11.00 Checkout of Lindenderry Hotel and board buses for transfer to the historical beachside village of Sorrento. Bike riders will have option of biking part of the way along the bike trails which run along the bays of the Peninsula. At the historic bay side town of Sorrento the option will be available to bike and/or hike and/or drive via Portsea to Point Nepean in the Mornington Peninsula National Park. Originally a military fortress, the point boasts magnificent scenery and panoramic views. Alternately you may choose to stay in Sorrento and enjoy the many local artist galleries while enjoying the sea air and beach side location.
17.00 Check in Westin Hotel, winner of the "Best Overall Hotel in Australia". 5 star accommodation in the heart of Melbourne CBD, and in close proximity to famous theatres, shopping precincts, galleries etc.
19.00 Conference closing dinner to be held at"ezard", winner of two hats, and awarded "Wine List of the Year" by the The Age Good Food Guide 2007. Chef Teage Ezard will present an 8 course degustation menu utilising the freshest local produce in his own unique South-East Asian fusion style, each course perfectly matched to an Australian wine.
Overnight Westin Hotel, Melbourne CBD
DAY 5 SUNDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2007
No activities are planned for today and delegates may check out of the hotel anytime up to 11.00 am. If you require transportation to Melbourne Airport this can be organised directly with Tour Hosts(see attached registration forms).