Digital Gift Certificates

Running out of time to get to the shops? 
We are here to help!

A DiscoverVin digital gift voucher is a fantastic gift for any wine loving family and friends.

Our digital gift cards are available online.  A mobile Gift Card is delivered to your loved ones mobile phone as a picture message. Choose an amount, schedule delivery time (for example 9 a.m. Christmas Day) , add a message and hit send! They be redeemed by the recipient online, using an individualised code. 

Indeed these are always available and are suitable for Birthdays/Thankyou/Congratulations etc as well as Christmas.

So forget the traffic and the crowds, grab some gift certificates and relax and enjoy the festive season!
 
TO ORDER: Jump online or please call us on 02 6020 6016 or  0414 596 395 for assistance or send us an email  info@discovervin.com.au . 

Our usual terms and conditions apply.

Seasons Greetings from all the team at DiscoverVin!

Our top 5 Christmas Suggestions 2016

'Tis the season to be jolly! Here are our top 5 Christmas/New Year wine suggestions.


Gift Packs
Christmas is all about giving after all. We have some great gift packs ready to be sent. We can send to you or to the gift recipient. We can include a personalised note.

We also have digital gift cards at various price points that can be redeemed on line.

Jump on line or give Helen a call on 0260 206 016 or 0414596395 for ideas.

Champagne

Many of us look forward to a glass or two of bubbles with friends and family over Christmas. This one is fantastic. Its being poured in some great restaurants in Australia and around the world.  Its well-priced enough to pour a glass for your family (well maybe!) By the bottle its $54 or $49 in a six pack.

Rosé
We are thrilled to see the rise and rise of dry rosé. Rosé sales now exceed white wine in France, and it has really taken off in Australia in the last few years. We have 4 lovely rosé wines. 

Chateau Rollan de By 2008

This is a special wine that would go perfectly with turkey and ham and everything festive. It recently out scored the famous Chateau Margaux and Chateau Cheval Blanc (featured in the movie Sideways) in a blind tasting. Both these wines sell for >$1000 per bottle. We heard its being served on Air France business class! This is $59. A special wine to enjoy over the holiday period. Limited stocks. Find it here.

Mixed packs

We have some great mixed packs at various price points with a mix of rose/whites/reds and dessert wines. 

Don't forget we can send to your holiday address. 

Some clever customers have done this in previous years and had a case of their favourites delivered to their holiday accommodation/agents. Brilliant! Click here to buy.

Courier deadlines are approaching so please jump on line and order ASAP.

Whatever you are doing this holiday season, eat and drink well but drink responsibly.

French Christmas Market Melbourne

This week-end we are off to the Alliance Française Melbourne Christmas Market in Grey Street St Kilda.

Admission is free!

Come along and say hello. Sample some wines, enjoy a glass or two (some of our wines are being served at the bar) and pick up a bargain or 2 for Christmas. 

If you saw us at the Paris to Provence Melbourne French Festival we will have a couple of different/new wines for you to try (and some favourites). 

The weather forecast is sounding great at this stage, fine and sunny and not too hot. See you there!

 

This Magnificent Life

We always appreciate feed-back from our customers.

Sometimes the feed-back blows us away!

One such moment occurred this week when Ian MacTavish wrote about us in This Magnificent Life, and interviewed Helen on her current favourite wines.

"One of our favourite companies in Australia flies under most radars but brings enormous pleasure to those in the know. Their passion for particular wines drives them to identify and deliver bottlesful of delight to Aussie enthusiasts."

Read more here. 

Champagne Jeeper in Sommeliers International Magazine

More on Champagne Jeeper which continues to turn heads and receive great reviews. We have previously blogged about this excellent Champagne producer.

Its distinctive taste (Chardonnay predominant) and distinctive packaging sets it apart form its peers.

The latest edition of Sommelier International magazine is putting Champagne Jeeper in the spotlight, on its cover, as well as in a great article inside (in French).

Champagne Jeeper

Glad to see our friends the Wine Wankers like the story and the taste of our new Champagne Jeeper.

Thanks guys! 

As a #wine lover, and a dreamer of #champagne, I get a total buzz out of indulging in new and unique wine experiences and this Jeeper champagne rates right up there. Not only is its story special, it was created in honour of the american soldiers of world war 2 and their jeeps who helped liberate France and the champagne region, it's also a super delicious full flavoured power #bubbles in an interesting bottle. It might seem modern kitsch but it was designed, and has been produced, since the 1940s! This is imported into #Australia by Discovervin and is well worth the 80 bucks or so. #postbyconrad #vino #food #travel

A photo posted by The Wine Wankers (@winewankers) on Nov 25, 2016 at 9:14pm PST

Christmas in a box.

Our Christmas Packs are ready to go.

We have a number of packs ready to go at various prices. We have put together some of our best sellers in these Christmas 6 packs. They are ready to ship to your home, office or holiday destination!

For more information click here.

Paris to Provence- Melbourne French Festival

This week-end we are off to Paris to Provence: Festival Français de Melbourne !

Come and say hello, grab a glass of wine or Champagne and pick up some bargains.

A bientot!

Champagne Dinner at Brisbane's Montrachet

It will soon be Brisbane's turn to taste Champagne Jeeper for the first time. We are pleased to announce an exclusive Champagne Dinner at Montrachet restaurant in Brisbane, November 9th. 

60 years ago, American GIs gave an injured French patriot a Jeep to enable him to tend his Champagne vineyards. The neighbours dubbed it Jeeper Champagne.

Nowadays the house of Jeeper has gained an international reputation for producing fine Champagnes. With its stand-out bottle-shape (designed to reduce oxidation) and its distinct taste, it stands out from the field. 

This is what wine critic James Suckling thinks of the Champagne Jeeper Grande Réserve which is one of the cuvées that will be served at this event.

"This is very dry and bright with sliced lemon, white pepper and bread dough. Full body, creamy texture and a long finish. Delicious brut. Pure chardonnay, blanc de blancs. Get it. Drink now. 94 points" 

What is the "Jeeper Taste"?  It is the production of finely balanced wines, dominated by Chardonnay, with great persistence and no harshness, bitterness or astringency.
Champagne Jeeper is now available in Australia for the first time. 

It's your chance to try for yourself this new brand of Champagne matched to the outstanding cuisine of Shannon Kellam at Montrachet. We have booked out the second sitting of this restaurant for this dinner. We will be joined by Champagne Jeeper CEO Nicholas Dubois and Export Director Samuel Ferjou who will be in Brisbane especially for this event.

Update 2/1/16

And here is the menu....

1st course
Champagne Jeeper Grand Assemblage NV (Brut)
Oysters mignonette
Cucumber & radishes

2nd course
Champagne Jeeper Grand Réserve NV (Blanc de Blanc)
Saumon Poché et Salade de Chou-Fleur Rasé
Ora king salmon poached in olive oil, shaved cauliflower salad w verjuice & sunflower seed
vinaigrette, whipped horseradish cream

3rd course
Champagne Jeeper Grand Rosé NV
Free range young chicken roasted w sage & lemon, foie gras velouté, confit terra rosa potato
and leek

4th course Maison Sichel Sauternes 2012
Roast peach & sorbet, lemon poppy seed cake, smoked milk

Call Montrachet 3367 0030 to reserve a spot!

Champagne Jeeper Dinner Estelle Melbourne

Pre-arrival offer Champagne Jeeper.

60 years ago, American GIs gave an injured French patriot a Jeep to enable him to tend his Champagne vineyards. The neighbours dubbed it Jeeper Champagne. Nowadays the house of Jeeper has gained an international reputation for producing fine Champagnes. With its stand-out bottle-shape (designed to reduce oxidation) and its distinct taste, it stands out from the field. What is the "Jeeper Taste" ?  It is the production of finely balanced wines, dominated by Chardonnay, with great persistence and no harshness, bitterness or astringency. Based near Reims, Jeeper have 35 hectares of their own vineyards and work with growers from another 180 hectares.  10% of the vineyards are Premier cru and 10% Grand cru. Champagne Jeeper has just received the sustainable vine-growing and High Environmental Value (HEV) certificates. DiscoverVin introduced Jeeper Champagne at Tyson Stelzer's Taste Champagne last month and we had excellent feed-back. The 3 cuvées below are about to land in Australia for the first time. Jeeper made us a great first up offer which we are passing on to our loyal customers. What a  treat to put away 6 bottles or more for the upcoming spring racing and party season! We are offering 5 + 1 (buy 5 bottles get one free) as a pre-arrival offer. Click on the links below each Champagne.  Use code ITSAJEEP to redeem this offer on line! If you prefer a mixture of Champagnes, use the same code at checkout and you will receive the equivalent discount. Valid until October 7, 2016. Call 0260 260 216  or 0414 596 395 to place an order or email mail@discovervin.com.au

Champagne Jeeper Grand Assemblage NV $83 per bottle ($69.90 with offer) 60% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier. Dosage: 7g/litre (Brut). A blend of 37 crus from across Champagne. "This is a very vinous and rich Champagne with sliced apple, cooked pear and light bread dough character. Full body, pretty texture and a flavorful finish. Drink now. 92 points"James Suckling. Buy Now

Champagne Jeeper Grande Réserve NV $95 per bottle  ($79.16 with offer) 100% Chardonnay. Dosage: 7g/litre (Brut) A blend of 11 crus - mostly from Montagne de Reims, Côtes des Blancs, Vitryat. "This is very dry and bright with sliced lemon, white pepper and bread dough. Full body creamy texture and a long finish. Delicious brut. Pure Chardonnay blanc de blancs. Get it. Drink now. 94 points"James Suckling. Buy Now

Champagne Jeeper Grand Rosé NV $95 per bottle  ($79.16 with offer) 88% Chardonnay, 12% Pinot Noir. Dosage: 6g/litre (Brut) 11 white crus and 1 red cru - mostly from Montagne de Reims, Côtes des Blancs and Vitryat. "This is a fantastic rosé that shows subtle strawberry, fresh bread dough and chalk aromas and flavors. Full body, very vinous and fruity yet bright and delicious. Creamy texture. The blend of the best chardonnay from the producer fermented in barrels and pinot noir. Drink it!95 points" James Suckling Buy Now

International Grenache Day 2016

International Grenache Day is celebrated the third Friday of September. That's today, the 16th September 2016!

Grenache or Garnacha is one of the most widely wine grape varieties in the world. It generally is known as late ripening, so it needs hot, dry conditions to ripen, such as those found in Spain, where the grape probably originated. It does well in many other warmer regions both internationally and in southern Europe. It is one of the main grape varieties grown in the Southern Rhone in France. 

The typical fruit characteristics of Grenache is raspberry and strawberry. Low yield/older vines can give grapes with flavours of blackcurrents, black cherries, coffee, leather, black pepper, spices and nuts.

DiscoverVin sells 2 fabulous Grenache based wines from the southern Rhone. These come from biodynamic producer Domaine Roche Audran. One a blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Carignan has received 90 Points from Decanter and wine of the week recently from Oz wine writer Winsor Dobbin. The other a 100% Grenache is an intense raspberry fruit bomb from old vines. It is Grenache with a wow factor! 

You'll find our 2 Grenache based wines on-line

Taste Champagne 2016

On August 15th we participated in Taste Champagne 2016 an exclusive champagne event held in Sydney at The Four Seasons Hotel for media, trade and the public. This is one of three events showcasing 158 cuvées from 50 Champagne Houses, growers and cooperatives.

The event was expertly put together by Styson Telzer and his team. Tyson is International Wine & Spirit Communicator of the Year 2015, Australian Wine Communicator of the Year 2015, Australian Wine Communicator of the Year 2013, and International Champagne Writer of the Year 2011. He wrote The Champagne Guide 2016-2017 which is out now in hardback and ebook.

We proudly presented our popular Achille Princier Grower Champagne and gave a sneak peak of a new marque about to arrive in Australia- Jeeper

Next week Taste Champagne moves onto Melbourne on August 22nd and then on to Brisbane August 29th. Be quick to book as some sessions are booked out. Here are the details.

Melbourne: Plaza Ballroom  (Under the Regent Theatre)
191 Collins Street Melbourne 3000
Monday 22 August 2016

Trade & Media 1pm to 5pm (Currently full – no vacancies)

Public Tasting Event 6pm to 9pm (tickets available)

VIP Public Ticket 6pm to 9pm + Vintage Cellars Prestige Masterclass 6:30pm to 7:15pm (sold out)


Brisbane: Customs House

Trade & Media – 1pm to 5pm

399 Queen Street Brisbane 4000
Monday 29 August 2016

Public Tasting Event 6pm to 9pm (tickets available)

VIP Public Ticket 6pm to 9pm + Vintage Cellars Prestige Masterclass 6:30pm to 7:15pm (sold out)

Listen to wine communicator and wine judge Stewart White talking about Taste Champagne and bubbles in general on 2UE.

A perfect Sunday in Bordeaux

It was one of those Bordeaux blue sky mornings! We woke late, thanks to the jet lag, then enjoyed a quick breakfast of fresh baguette and croissants from the local boulangerie. 

We strolled down to the Chartrons Market. Known locally as the "Bo Bo" market (meaning Bohemian Bourgeois or "trendster") one can choose from a vast array of produce- fresh fruit and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, wine, bread, patisserie, fresh and pre-cooked meats, poultry and seafood dishes. 

But the highlight for us, and our priority any sunny Sunday that we are lucky enough to be in Bordeaux, is the oyster stalls. There 6 oysters of your choice (which grade/size?) are shucked to order, and best washed down with a glass of Bordeaux Blanc. These oysters are so fresh one can taste the salty waters of the Basin d'Arcachon where these were harvested on the previous low tide.  A perfect Bordeaux lunch. Then we grabbed some macarons for later.

Macaron stand Chartrons market #bordeaux #sunday #dimanche #marche #macarons #france

A photo posted by discovervinwines (@discovervinwines) on Jun 26, 2016 at 5:39am PDT

Bordeaux was heaving, with the Euro finals in full swing. We found a bar near the Garonne to watch France v Ireland. 

Fete le Vin, the Bordeaux wine festival, was underway as well . Crowds of wine lovers spilled from the wine tasting stands along the banks of the Garonne clutching wine glasses but were seemingly well behaved. 

After the French match many of the tens of thousands of football fans from the nearby Fansite in Place de Quinconces headed to the wine stands. We found these 2 wearing the famous French coq symbol...

I suppose you would call these guys coq-heads? Allez les bleus! #france #bordeaux #euros

A photo posted by discovervinwines (@discovervinwines) on Jun 26, 2016 at 9:03am PDT

We had a stroll through the wine festival site but decided not to taste, due to the crowds. 

Instead we decided to retreat to our apartment for a quiet Apero, before heading out to dinner. We enjoyed a glass of wonderful Domaine de la Croix Irrésistible rosé, cru classé from Provence.

Apero #bordeaux @domaine_de_la_croix #rose #provence #wine #wineandfood

A photo posted by discovervinwines (@discovervinwines) on Jun 26, 2016 at 10:03am PDT

We took a short stroll across the Pont de Pierre to Restaurant l'Estacade. It features a lot local seafood dishes. One of those menus where its hard to decide what to choose. It has a very good wine list with some top local wines, plus a good selection from other parts of France (which is a bit bit shocking in Bordeaux) and interesting wines by the glass thanks to Coravin. The service is excellent and the restaurant has a stunning view across the Garonne looking back to Place de la Bourse and central Bordeaux. 

It's a perfect place to watch the sun set in this stunning natural ampitheatre, with water meeting sky, and framing the stunning architecture of the Bordeaux waterfront.

Gorgeous evening in #bordeaux

A photo posted by discovervinwines (@discovervinwines) on Jun 26, 2016 at 1:11pm PDT

At 11pm we had a fantastic view of the Fete le Vin son et lumière (sound and light show ).

 


Then at 1130pm we ordered a half bottle of Gosset rosé Champagne and moved to the deck to watch the fireworks exploding above our heads over the Garonne. An amazing ending to a perfect Sunday in Bordeaux.

Spectacular #bordeaux @bordeauxfetevin

A photo posted by discovervinwines (@discovervinwines) on Jun 26, 2016 at 3:02pm PDT

Tour de France: Taste The Tour Pack 2016

It’s that time of year again! It's time to enjoy the legendary Tour de France. 

Enjoy the sights of the racing and the stunning scenery, whilst enjoying a selection of French wine.

The wines in this 6 pack are sourced from vineyards in the Loire, Cahors (the home of Malbec), Madiran in South West France, Jurançon in the foothills of the Pyrenees, and the Rhone Valley.

They represent good value for money and are a great introduction to DiscoverVin’s wines. 

And all at a fraction of the price of a ticket to France!

6 wines in the Taste the Tour Pack 2016:

Villebois Touraine 100% Sauvignon Blanc 2014 (Loire) RRP $38.90

Château Haut Monplaisir, Prestige, 100% Malbec, 2006 (Cahors): RRP $ 35

Domaine du Crampilh, Vieilles Vignes, 2009 RRP $38.40 (Madiran)

Château Jolys, Jurançon Sec, 2014 RRP $29 
plus Domaine Bellegarde, Thibault, Jurançon Late Harvest dessert wine, 2009 RRP $36

Domaine Roche Audran, Côtes du Rhone Rouge, 2014 (Rhone Valley)RRP $28

Usually valued at $201.30
Save over $25 when you purchase the Taste the Tour Pack:

6 excellent French wine for $175.00

Comes with tasting notes and our guide for the relevant stages of the Tour

For more information or to buy click here