E-LIFESTYLEWINE ISSUE 37

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4 2010: Love is in the air, Win concert tickets & more..

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E-LIFESTYLEWINE ISSUE 36

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21 2010: Special offers for Cellar Door and Food & Wine Show

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E-LIFESTYLEWINE ISSUE 35

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7 2010: Cellar Door treats; Prawn stack recipe & more...

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E-LIFESTYLEWINE ISSUE 34

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 2009: Wrapping up 09; Beat the summer heat & more...

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E-LIFESTYLEWINE ISSUE 33

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 2009: Summer BBQ tips, Christmas, Concerts & more...

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E-LIFESTYLEWINE ISSUE 32

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20 2009: The B52s and The Proclaimers are on their way! 

Click here to read the full e-zine.

UNIQUE SIRROMET CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Is your family full of people who are difficult to purchase Christmas presents for?  Sirromet is the perfect place for unique Christmas gift ideas that are sure to impress even the fussiest recipient.

Gift Vouchers: The gift card can be used to enjoy a meal at Restaurant Lurleen’s, or to stock up on wine and a day out at Cellar Door. You can select the value and we'll send the card out to you or your friend. Call Sirromet on (07) 3206 2999.

Wine Hampers: Your choice of two hampers is available from Cellar Door. Both hampers are full of wines and delicious dry-goods including chocolates, Sirromet jams, oils and more. The 820 Above hamper is$139, valued over $150.  The Seven Scenes hamper is $179, valued over $190.  To order you hamper please call our Cellar Door on (07) 3206 2999.

Club Sirromet Memberships: The gift that keeps on giving. Treat your friends to a Silver or Gold Club Sirromet Membership and they will receive a quarterly case of wine (choose from a case of 6 or 12 bottles) and other great benefits including discounts and special invitations and privileges.

There's also plenty of merchandise (and great wines of course!) available at Cellar Door that make perfect gifts.

A DAY ON THE GREEN WITH RONAN KEATING

On 26th January 2010, you can relax with friends, enjoy great wine and food, and celebrate Australia Day in style with international superstar Ronan Keating. Special guests include the charismatic Tina Arena and popular singer/songwriter Damier Leith who will be performing along with Ronan at Sirromet Winery.

General Admission and Silver Reserve tickets are now on sale from www.ticketmaster.com.au.  Get in quick as Gold Reserve tickets have already sold out! Concert and Dining packages and Private Marquees can be purchased through Sirroment.  For more information on Concert & Dining packages click here.  

QUEENSLANDERS LOVE RESTAURANT LURLEEN'S

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4 2009: The people of Queensland have voted and Restaurant Lurleen's has been officially recognised as the favourite place to dine for Modern Australian cuisine in the 2009 I Love FOOD Awards.

More than 100,000 votes were received across 16 categories in the awards, Australia's largest people's choice restaurant awards, presented by the Lifestyle FOOD Channel.  

Restaurant Lurleen's Executive Chef Andrew Mirosch said he believes part of the restaurant's success lies in his commitment to local Queensland produce.

"We are using 90 percent Queensland grown and harvested produce. We buy direct from local farmers and fishermen and the only imported products in the restaurant are aborio rice and parmesan cheese."

Recently awarded two stars in the Courier Mail's Good Food Guide, Restaurant Lurleen's list of awards includes Best Restaurant 2009 at The Courier Mail's Lifestyle Awards for two years in a row and State title of Best Restaurant in a Winery Restaurant and Catering Awards for five years in a row for Best Restaurant in a Winery.

Located in a picturesque winery with breathtaking views out to Moreton Bay and Stradbroke Island, the restaurant is a unique Queensland destination combining sophisticated modern Australian food with a sublime setting. It has been a constant favourite with locals since its inception.

Restaurant Lurleen's at Sirromet Winery is just 30 minutes south from Brisbane's CBD or 40 minutes north from the Gold Coast at 850 Mount Cotton Road, Mount Cotton

SNEAK PEEK AT SIRROMET'S NEW TELEVISION COMMERCIALS!

Some of Sirromet's staff are soon to become TV "stars".  Three brand new commericals to promote Sirromet Wines have been produced, featuring our winemakers, vineyard staff and groundkeeping staff.  These commericals bring to life the popular print advertisement campaign from 2008 which featured the same staff. 

Be one of the first to view the new commercials - click here.  

SIRROMET'S VIOGNIER TOP QLD WHITE WINE!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17 2009: Sirromet's 2007 Seven Scenes Viognier has scooped the pool at the Brisbane Fine Wine Festival taking out two of the highest honours - Judges Choice Top Queensland White Wine and another for Highest Scoring Queensland Wine.

The Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development & Innovation Trophy for The Judges Choice Top QLD White Wine and the Queensland Premiers Perpetual Trophy for The Highest Scoring Queensland Wine will be presented at a dinner on Thursday 25 June in the Mercure Brisbane Ballroom.

Sirromet Chief Winemaker Adam Chapman said he believed the Granite Belt can produce great Viognier.

"We've benchmarked the 2007 Seven Scenes Viognier amongst the best in the world and found it leaving the great wines from Condrieu, the birth place of Viognier, for dead."

A multiple medal winner, this rich, full bodied Viognier shows intense fruit flavours and fine Granite Belt varietal characters with lovely balance between fruit, oak and acidity. It was produced using only the best parcels of fruit from Sirromet's St Jude's vineyard. The wine retails for $25.

Sirromet's  2007 Sirromet Granite Belt Sparkling Petit Verdot also won a Silver Medal and Bronze Medals were awarded to 2006 Sirromet "Seven Scenes" Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir, 2007 Sirromet Granite Belt "Seven Scenes" Chardonnay, 2008 Sirromet "820 Above" Verdelho and  2006 Sirromet "Seven Scenes" Cabernet Sauvignon.

Since opening its doors nearly nine years ago, Sirromet has amassed 389 wine awards.

SIRROMET'S MERLOT A TRUE WINNER!

MONDAY, JUNE 1 2009: Sirromet's ‘Seven Scenes' 2005 Merlot, already the recipient of 14 awards, has won high praise again, this time from the Wine Industry Journal's Merlot Panel. (Wine Industry Journal, March/April 09)

They picked the Seven Scenes 2005 Merlot ($22) as one of their top three best merlots in their Australia and New Zealand Merlot tasting along with Smith & Hooper ‘Reserve'2006 Merlot ($45) and Irvine Wines 2004 ‘Grant Merlot' ($120).

"This shows that Queensland wines can play with the other major wine areas throughout Australia and New Zealand," said Sirromet's Chief Winemaker Adam Chapman.

"We aim to make a pretty good drop in the Merlot sector each year and it's great to see that recognised.

"It was also nice to see the Irvine Grand Merlot next to ours, as Jim Irvine has been my mentor for the last 25 years. He has taught me a lot about Merlot and winemaking in general. It's a nice tribute to Sirromet and Irvine Wines and of course Merlot, one of the best varieties in the world, if made with passion."

Sirromet only releases its Seven Scenes Merlot in great vintages with optimum weather conditions and fruit intensity. During the past 10 years, only four vintages have been deemed suitable for Seven Scenes Merlot, including 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

The judge's comments:

One of the panel's favourite wines, showing rich yet delicate complex fruit and spicy oak lift.  "This wine is well managed, an absolute classic style with great ageing potential," one taster said. The tasters enjoyed the firmness of this wine, considering it Old World in style, remaining beautifully balanced.

Since opening its doors nearly nine years ago, Sirromet has amassed 384 wine awards, with 55 wine awards in 2008.

Highlights in 2008 include 2008 Austrian Wine Challenge - Gold Medal - 2005 Seven Scenes Merlot, Silver Medal - 2005 Seven Scenes Cabernet Sauvignon, Silver Medal - 2006 Seven Scenes Chardonnay; 2008 Courier Mail Mercure Brisbane Qld Wine Awards - Gold Medal - 2006 Seven Scenes Shiraz Viognier; 2008 Effervescents du Monde - France - Silver Medal - Class new World White Sparkling 2006 Seven Scenes Chardonnay Pinot Noir; 2008 Courier Mail Mercure Hotel Brisbane Qld Wine Awards - Trophy - Best Sparkling Wine 2007 Sirromet Sparkling PV; 2008 Perth Royal Wine Show -Bronze Medal - 2007 820 Above Verdelho; 2008 Royal Adelaide Wine Show - Silver Medal - 2008 820 Above Pinot Gris

SIRROMET'S TOP FOR BRIDES!

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 2009: Wedding bells are ringing at Sirromet!

It's The place in Queensland to hold your wedding according to the Australian Bridal Academy Awards announced last night (Tuesday, May 19).

Sirromet received the top award for Best Restaurant Reception from a field of 58 venues. 

Sirromet also received a second in the Best Ceremony Venue category in a field of 75 Queensland venues.

"The win is especially important to us as it's a result of the votes from a lot of very happy brides," said Sirromet Chairman Terry Morris.

"Brides at Sirromet love walking down our different aisle through hectares of grape vines at Mount Cotton. They can choose to have an intimate celebration in the underground Chairman's cellar the heart of the winery or enjoy the sweeping views from Restaurant Lurleen's," said Mr Morris.

"Sirromet's uncomplicated, sweeter style Love range of wines is a natural addition to the weddings and brides just love the name!"

Restaurant Lurleen's was voted Best Restaurant 2009 at The Courier Mail's Lifestyle Awards, taking out the award for the second year in a row. The restaurant's impressive list of awards includes the State title of Best Restaurant in a Winery at the 2008 Restaurant and Catering Awards and Best Restaurant in a Winery at the 2008 Gold Coast Magazine's People's Choice Restaurant Awards. This was the fifth year in a row that Restaurant Lurleen's has taken the Restaurant and Catering Best Restaurant in a Winery award.

It's just 30 minutes south from Brisbane's CBD or 40 minutes north from the Gold Coast to Restaurant Lurleen's at Sirromet Winery, 850 Mount Cotton Road, Mount Cotton.

Since opening its doors nearly nine years ago, Sirromet has amassed 384 wine awards, with 55 wine awards in 2008. Sirromet is Queensland's largest and most highly awarded winery. Its Mount Cotton headquarters combines a winery processing grapes sourced from the company's Granite Belt vineyards, a cellar door and the multi-award winning Restaurant Lurleen's.

SIRROMET LEADS AUSTRALIAN MARKET WITH PET BOTTLES

MONDAY, May 11 2009: With claims by Fosters for an ‘Australian first' for the Wolf Blass Green Label wine, Sirromet Winery has released new figures to show their current position in the eco market.

"Sirromet released First Step, a new wine range in PET bottles, in January 2009," said Sirromet Chief Winemaker Adam Chapman. "These are the same type of bottles and the same size that Fosters is now claiming as a market first for Wolf Blass.

"Our claim is also backed by Visy, the bottle manufacturers.

"But Sirromet goes better than just PET bottles and the multitude of eco benefits they bring," said Adam. "Sirromet has reduced CO2 emissions from an industry standard of say 4 to 5 kilos of CO2per bottle of red wine down to 2.57 kilos of CO2 for First Step Cabernet Merlot.

"This has been achieved with winery machinery up grades to more efficient machinery, lowering water use, management of water metres, worm farms, liquid waste farm and chemical changes that do not effect the BOD levels in our waste plant and changing winery practises to be simply more efficient.

"First Step's PET 750ml packaging, recycled label and cartoon are the icing on our environmental cake at this stage.  It really does show that we are lowering our foot print through actions, not green credits!"

Sirromet is keen to do more with wind turbines just one of the projects to help reduce the power intake for processing. The company is also looking at floating solar panels for the vineyard dams to reduce power use and water evaporation at the same time.

First Step is available via Sirromet's Cellar Door, at supportive retail outlets and online at www.sirromet.com/buywine. The wine retails for $12 per bottle.

Sirromet's Green Cred

Sirromet practices environmental sustainability in its wine making and operations.  The on-site worm farm helps recycle all organic waste, from grape stems and skins to cardboard boxes, while on site rainwater collection means the Mount Cotton operation is  virtually 100 percent self sufficient for water needs. Even the grey and black water is recycled on site - a true sign of serious self sufficiency.

FIRST STEP TO SIRROMET, NOT FOSTERS!

FRIDAY, MAY 8 2009:  Fosters might be too big to notice but their ‘Australian first' claim for wine in PET bottles belongs with Sirromet not Wolf Blass!

Sirromet released their new range First Step, wine in a 750ml PET plastic bottle, in January 2009, well before Fosters' release this week.

Sirromet's Chief Winemaker Adam Chapman said the wine had been received by consumers with strong uptake from sporting groups and the boating fraternity.

 "Every element of this wine's packaging has been carefully considered for its environmental footprint - hence the name ‘First Step' and the footprint motif on the label."

The First Step range plastic bottle has a screw top and looks exactly the same as a glass bottle. It holds the same amount of liquid and doesn't compromise the quality of the wine in any way.

"Wine lovers can easily try the wine by purchasing from our online bottleshop at www.sirromet.com/buywine for just $12 a bottle," said Adam.

"The wine will be delivered to your door in just a couple of days."

"The use of PET bottles is widespread in Europe and the UK, in fact some retailers regard it as a mandatory because their consumers are very educated about the issues of environmental responsibility.

"In my view, the spread of PET bottles for wine will be as inevitable in this country as the spread of screw caps over cork, but it will take time - and First Step is our way of testing consumer interest in buying wine that makes a statement about the importance of environmental responsibility through its packaging and production."

"Plastic uses much less energy in production and, being lighter than glass, also uses less energy in transportation. Recycling is also more energy efficient. The labels are 100 per cent recycled paper and the cartons are also made from 100 per cent recycled material."

The plastic bottle may take some getting used to, but it's worth remembering that consumers once thought a screw top cap on a wine bottle was radical.

In addition to the environmental benefits, the plastic packaging means no glass breakages - ideal for boats, airlines, concerts, camping and a wide variety of outdoor locations. Plus, empty bottles can be easily crushed to minimise waste storage.

The First Step launch range features a 2005 Cabernet Merlot and a 2008 Unwooded Chardonnay - both made entirely from grapes grown at Sirromet's Granite Belt vineyards.

Sirromet's innovation in wine packaging builds on it's commitment to the environment already evident at the winery including the worm farm, waste recycling, and water conservation measures (check www.sirromet.com for all the details).

The winery was also among the first group of wineries to adopt alloy screw caps in favour of cork.

Why plastic?

>         reduces carbon emissions by slashing the weight of wine packaging - a plastic bottle weighs one-eighth as much as a typical 14 oz (400 g) glass bottle.

>         more practical at picnics, the beach, camping, on planes and sporting events

>         takes up a less room in the esky - the 750 ml plastic bottle is smaller because it doesn't have the thickness of glass

>         chills faster than glass

>         easily crushed when finished to save space on waste

>         lighter to transport so reduces transport energy

>         generates far less CO2 in manufacture than glass

>         recyclable with less energy than glass.

Sirromet's Green Cred

Sirromet practices environmental sustainability in its wine making and operations.  The on-site worm farm helps recycle all organic waste, from grape stems and skins to cardboard boxes, while on site rainwater collection means the Mount Cotton operation is  virtually 100 percent self sufficient for water needs. Even the grey and black water is recycled on site - a true sign of serious self sufficiency.

First Step is available via Sirromet's Cellar Door, at supportive retail outlets and online at www.sirromet.com/buywine. The wine retails for $12 per bottle.

SIRROMET TAKES GRANITE BELT WINES ON LINE FOR CUSTOMER CONVENIENCE

MONDAY, MARCH 9 2009  For wine lovers keen to experience award winning wines from the Granite Belt, ease of access to the product has often been a problem.

Interstate buyers typically cannot buy Granite Belt wines at all through their local stockists, and even in Queensland, distribution and stockists have been a little patchy.

Now it just got a whole lot easier to buy quality Granite Belt wines throughout Australia.

Sirromet Winery, now with close to 400 medals under its belt, has launched an online shop at www.sirromet.com/buywine

Wine lovers can choose from the full range of quality Sirromet Granite Belt wines which can be delivered direct to their door throughout Australia.

The range includes Limited Edition and Private Bin selections plus Sirromet's quality red and white wines, sparkling and dessert wines.

The Granite Belt region has produced more than 1000 wine awards in recent years and is rapidly gaining ground as the ‘new' region of interest in Australia. The high altitude, cool climate region features granite soils deliver a special terroir for the wine. This year, the region produced Winestate Magazine's trophy for ‘Wine of the Year' for Australia and New Zealand, in the form of the Heritage Estate 2007 Chardonnay.

Sirromet CEO Ross Elliott said the online shop would allow a greater number of wine lovers access to regional wines.

"Our distribution and much of the distribution of other Granite Belt producers, has been heavily reliant on local access, either to the cellar door or to the retail partners who stock our wines in the state. But we know there are a multitude of wine lovers in cities from Sydney to Perth and all country areas in between, who would love to sample a Granite Belt pinot gris, or a shiraz, or a sparkling chardonnay pinot noir, but whose local stores simply do not stock wines from this region."

"This online shop is intended to make it easy for those consumers who want to try our wines to do so, irrespective of where they live. We plan to promote this website nationally."

The online shop offers Sirromet's full product range, including recent innovations such as ‘First Step' (in a safe plastic, low carbon footprint bottle) and ‘LOVE' (designed for the young and young at heart).

SIRROMET'S 'FIRST STEP' AN AUSTRALIAN FIRST FOR REDUCED CARBON FOOTPRINT WINE

In what is believed to be an Australian first, Sirromet Winery has released a wine in a 750ml PET plastic bottle for Australian consumers.

It’s ‘First Step’ wine features recycled and low energy packaging and is designed to reduce environmental impacts from wine production.

“As far as we know, Sirromet is the first winery in Australia to release quality wine in a in a recyclable 750ml PET bottle for distribution in Australia,” said Sirromet Chief Winemaker Adam Chapman.

“Every element of this wine’s packaging has been carefully considered for its environmental footprint - hence the name ‘First Step’ and the footprint motif on the label.”

The First Step range plastic bottle has a screw top and looks exactly the same as a glass bottle. It holds the same amount of liquid and doesn't compromise the quality of the wine in any way.

“The use of PET bottles is widespread in Europe and the UK, in fact some retailers regard it as a mandatory because their consumers are very educated about the issues of environmental esponsibility,” said Adam.

“In my view, the spread of PET bottles for wine will be as inevitable in this country as the spread of screw caps over cork, but it will take time – and First Step is our way of testing consumer interest in buying wine that makes a statement about the importance of environmental responsibility through its packaging and production.”

“Plastic uses much less energy in production and, being lighter than glass, also uses less energy in transportation. Recycling is also more energy efficient. The labels are 100 per cent recycled paper and the cartons are also made from 100 per cent recycled material.”

Sirromet CEO Ross Elliott said he developed the First Step’s foot print motif after many discussions with Chapman.

“It’s a visual design which uses a universal message about the environment – leave only footprints,” Elliott said.

“The fact that the trademark for ‘First Step’ as a wine was also available was a bonus. The plastic bottle may take some getting used to, but it's worth remembering that consumers once thought a screw top cap on a wine bottle was radical.

Mr Elliott said in addition to the environmental benefits, the plastic packaging meant no glass breakages so was ideal for boats, airlines, concerts, camping and a wide variety of outdoor locations. Plus, empty bottles could be easily crushed to minimise waste storage.

“We are now looking for trade partners for the wine, which will probably sell for a touch more than a similar product in traditional glass because packaging with these materials is more expensive at present. Consumer and trade support will help get volumes up and bring unit costs down.”

In the meantime, First Step is available via Sirromet’s Cellar Door. Mail orders are also available via the website www.sirromet.com. The wine retails for $12 per bottle.

The First Step launch range features a 2005 Cabernet Merlot and a 2008 Unwooded Chardonnay – both made entirely from grapes grown at Sirromet’s Granite Belt vineyards.

Sirromet’s innovation in wine packaging builds on it’s commitment to the environment already evident at the winery including the worm farm, waste recycling, and water conservation measures (check www.sirromet.com for all the details).

The winery was also among the first group of wineries to adopt alloy screw caps in favour of cork.

Why plastic?

* reduces carbon emissions by slashing the weight of wine packaging — a plastic

bottle weighs one-eighth as much as a typical 14 oz (400 g) glass bottle

* more practical at picnics, the beach, camping, on planes and sporting events

 * takes up a less room in the esky - the 750 ml plastic bottle is smaller because it

doesn’t have the thickness of glass

* easily crushed when finished to save space on waste

* lighter to transport so reduces transport energy

* generates far less CO2 in manufacture than glass

* recyclable with less energy than glass.

Sirromet’s Green Cred

Sirromet practices environmental sustainability in its wine making and operations. The on-site worm farm helps recycle all organic waste, from grape stems and skins to cardboard boxes, while on site rainwater collection means the Mount Cotton operation is virtually 100 percent self sufficient for water needs. Even the grey and black water is recycled on site – a true sign of serious self sufficiency.  

ALL OUT AUSSIE DAY BBQ AT SIRROMET 

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18 2008:  It’s going to be an all out true blue barbie for Australia Day (Monday January 26) at Sirromet with sangers and pavs on the menu, dinky di Aussie games for everyone and a live performance of golden greats made famous by Australia’s favourite bands.

The rolling greens surrounding Sirromet’s expansive Mount Cotton Cellar Door will be filled by a festive crowd set to celebrate the birth of Australia.

There will be fun for all the family with a jumping castle and face painting for the kids, Australian Classics from the 70s, 80s and 90s played live on the main stage and a free sausage sizzle for everyone.

Australia Day competitions will include ‘plugger’ thong throwing and other Aussie games and competitions. Entry will be $55 per family (up to 2 adults and 3 children) or $20 Adult, $10 Child which includes the sausage sizzle and all entertainment.

To book tickets phone 1800 SIRROMET or email marketing@sirromet.com   More information is available at www.sirromet.com

Sirromet, Queensland's largest and most highly awarded winery, is located roughly 30 minutes south of downtown Brisbane, and roughly 40 minutes from downtown Surfers Paradise.

Since opening in 2000, Sirromet has won 380 medals and awards.  Its Mount Cotton headquarters combines a winery processing grapes sourced from the company’s Granite Belt vineyards, a cellar door and the multi-award winning Restaurant Lurleen's.

CORKS ARE POPPING AT SIRROMET

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17 2008:  Sirromet’s 2008 Courier-Mail Mercure Hotel Queensland Wine Award wins -

• Trophy Best Sparkling Wine - 2007 Sirromet Sparkling PV
• Gold - 2007 Sirromet Sparkling PV
• Gold - 2006 SS Shiraz Viognier
• Silver - 820 Above 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
• Bronze - 2005 Perfect Day Cabernet Merlot
• Bronze - 2005 SS Merlot
• Bronze - 2007 SS Viognier
• Bronze - 820 Above 2008 Pinot Gris
  

Sirromet walked away with eight awards at the 2008 Courier-Mail Mercure Hotel Queensland Wine Awards with the 2007 Sirromet Sparkling Petit Verdot taking the trophy for Best Sparkling Wine.

"This is a great win for Sirromet, showing the wide diversity within our winemaking styles,” said Chief Winemaker Adam Chapman.

"The 2007 Sparking Petit Verdot is a style of which we are extremely proud. It shows lovely berry fruit characters, richness on the palate, has a great colour and nice balance with residual sweetness and acidity on the back palate.

"The 2006 Shiraz Viognier is another style that we are pushing hard, right from the vineyard though the changing styles in the winemaking department, so it’s wonderful to get a good result with this one.

“The medals add strength to our brand, give great customer confidence and lots of satisfaction back at the winery and to the vineyard teams. It is also a nice follow on win after the recent Gold and Silver medals at the 2008 AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge.”

All the award winning wines were made by Chief Winemaker Adam Chapman and his team at Sirromet’s headquarters and winery at Mount Cotton, south of Brisbane with fruit 100 per cent sourced from Sirromet’s high altitude Granite Belt vineyards.

Sirromet has won a number of medals in international wine competitions in 2008. Previous medals include:

• 2008 AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge: Gold - Seven Scenes 2005 Merlot
• Silver - Seven Scenes 2006 Chardonnay; Silver - Seven Scenes 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2008 Chardonnay du Monde (France): Silver -  2006 Seven Scenes Chardonnay
• 2008 Challenge International du Vin (France): Silver - 2006 Private Bin TM Viognier; Bronze - 2006 Sirromet Petit Verdot sparkling.
• 2008 International Wine Challenge (Britain): Bronze - 2006 Private Bin TM Viognier, 2006 Sirromet Petit Verdot sparkling.

Sirromet has won 376 medals and awards since opening in 2000 and is owned by Gold Coast businessman Terry Morris.

ADELAIDE WINE SHOW AWARDS TO SIRROMET 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 2008:  Sirromet’s 2008 820 Above Pinot Gris was awarded a silver medal at the recent 2008 Royal Adelaide Wine Show.

Sirromet CEO Ross Elliott was particularly pleased with award from one of Australia’s most prestigious wine shows, as the 820 Above Pinot Gris is one of his personal favourites.

Sirromet Chief Winemaker Adam Chapman said indigenous yeasts were used for the first time with the 2008 Pinot Gris.

"After the great success we had with the 2007 Chardonnay and wild yeast, yeast was used in the tank and also in the barrel for the 2008 Pinot Gris,” Adam said.

“It tends to give more flesh to the wines, be more of a mouth full, yet still shows freshness and varietal character.”

The 2007 820 Verdelho was awarded a bronze medal bringing Sirromet’s award tally to 363.

Sirromet is Queensland's largest and most highly awarded winery. Its Mount Cotton headquarters combines a winery processing grapes sourced from the company’s Granite Belt vineyards, a cellar door and the multi-award winning Restaurant Lurleen's.

SEASON OF ART AT SIRROMET 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1 2008: Around 60 guests enjoyed the opening night of the first in Sirromet’s new series of art exhibitions – Season of Art at Sirromet.

Paintings by local artists Tracey Keller, Suzie Lightfoot and Jake Reston filled the atmospheric oak lined Sirromet Barrel Hall and three paintings were sold on opening night.

The exhibition is the first in a new series of four annual art exhibitions planned for Sirromet which will celebrate the change of season.

Sirromet’s Mt Cotton property is 560 acres of manicured estate with a world-class working winery, an award winning restaurant and a buzzing cellar door.

Discover why Sirromet is Queensland's largest and most highly awarded winery at www.sirromet.com

Age of Season Art Exhibition

Showing: 23 October – 6 November

Venue: Sirromet’s Barrel Hall Sirromet Winery, 850 - 938 Mount Cotton Road, Mt Cotton

(30 minutes from Brisbane CBD, 40 minutes from the Gold Coast)

RESTAURANT LURLEEN'S A TRIPLE WINNER

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 2008:  Restaurant Lurleen’s at Sirromet Winery added two awards in one night to its already impressive list by winning the State title of Best Restaurant in a Winery at last night’s Restaurant and Catering Awards and best Restaurant in a winery at the 2008 Gold Coast Magazine's People's Choice Restaurant Awards last night.

Sirromet also was awarded Best Winery at the 2008 Gold Coast Magazine's People's Choice Restaurant Awards.

This is the fifth year in a row that Restaurant Lurleen’s has taken the Restaurant and Catering Best Restaurant in a Winery award.

Restaurant Lurleen's also won Best Restaurant and Best Use of Regional Produce at the 2008 Courier Mail Lifestyle Awards earlier this year.

Award winning chef Andrew Mirosch champions fresh local produce and Lurleen’s menu includes organically grown fruit and vegetables, complimented by local cheeses and seafood.

Located in a picturesque winery with breathtaking views out to Moreton Bay and Stradbroke Island, the restaurant is a unique Queensland destination combining sophisticated modern Australian food with a sublime setting. It has been a constant favourite with locals since its inception.

Restaurant Lurleen’s at Sirromet Winery is just 30 minutes south from Brisbane’s CBD or 40 minutes north from the Gold Coast at 850 Mount Cotton Road, Mount Cotton. Bookings essential on 3206 2999 or www.sirromet.com

With more than 360 wine awards, Sirromet is Queensland's largest and most highly awarded winery. Its Mount Cotton headquarters combines a winery processing grapes sourced from the company’s Granite Belt vineyards, a cellar door and the multi-award winning Restaurant Lurleen's.

BETTER THAN GREAT 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 2008:   How do you make a great wine even better? Make it 'Perfect'.

Sirromet’s new look, entry-level Perfect Day range has undergone a complete makeover to match consumer tastes and demands. Gone are the dark green bottles and old labels replaced with fresh new designs, flint bottles which show the wine colours and a refreshed back label.

“We’ve taken the blowtorch to the back label and completely rethought descriptions so consumers don’t have to wade through jargon to work out what the wine is all about,” said Ross Elliott, Sirromet CEO.

Priced at around $10 a bottle RRP the wines are the perfect way start a lunch or end the day, everyday.

It’s all part of a new three tier strategy for Sirromet with bands consolidated into the Perfect Day range, 820 Above range and the premium quality Seven Scenes range.  The Perfect Day range has five popular styles – Rose, Cabernet Merlot, Unwooded Chardonnay, Everyday Red and Everyday White.

Sirromet’s Perfect Day range is available at leading outlets throughout Queensland.

Sirromet is Queensland's largest and most highly awarded winery. Its Mount Cotton headquarters combines a winery processing grapes sourced from the company’s Granite Belt vineyards, a cellar door and the multi-award winning Restaurant Lurleen's.

SIRROMET'S CAT IS OUT OF THE BAG

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 2008:  He’s the cat’s whiskers, the purrfect wine connoisseur and a pussy with a passion for Sirromet wines.  Meet ‘Sir Romet’, Sirromet’s new consumer-driven answer to wine snobs and those who take life too seriously.

“He knows what he likes - wine - and he knows how and when he likes to drink it,” says Sirromet CEO Ross Elliott. “Sir Romet is just like eight out of ten wine consumers who simply want to enjoy quality wines at reasonable prices without intimidating wine jargon.”

Sir Romet is leading Sirromet’s new south east Queensland push which will see the furry moggy splashed across billboards and print media in an extensive advertising campaign.

“It’s hard to imagine a more competitive marketplace than wine in Australia right now,” Mr Elliott said.  “There are close to 3000 companies and 30,000 bottle brands competing for consumer attention all with a strong degree of sameness and an overabundance of very traditional, safe thinking in terms of marketing.

“It’s difficult to stand out in a crowded marketplace, even with Sirromet’s growing medal tally, nationally and internationally, as proof of the high standard of the wine.

“Sir Romet takes a subtle dig at those who take themselves and wine too seriously and does not use ‘wine jargon’ to influence and intimidate the consumer.”

Mr Elliott said an early trial of Sirromet’s new campaign in Brisbane’s western suburbs, produced outstanding results with sales many times the volume recorded pre-campaign.

Sirromet wines are available at leading outlets throughout Queensland.

Sirromet is Queensland's largest and most highly awarded winery. Its Mount Cotton headquarters combines a winery processing grapes sourced from the company’s Granite Belt vineyards, a cellar door and the multi-award winning Restaurant Lurleen's.

SIRROMET WINS FIFTH MEDAL OVERSEAS FOR GRANITE BELT CABERNET SAUVIGNON

MONDAY, JUNE 23 2008: Sirromet Wines has won a fifth international medal for its premium-range 2005 Seven Scenes Cabernet Sauvignon from Granite Belt fruit.

The wine claimed a bronze medal at the 2008 San Francisco International Wine Competition. Judging was held at the Hotel Nikko from June 13-15, and Sirromet was informed of its medal by event organisers yesterday.

Sirromet previously secured four overseas medals in 2007 with this dark plum-coloured wine.

They were silver medals at the Austrian Wine Challenge in Vienna and at the Wine Masters Challenge in Portugal, and bronze medals at the International Wine and Spirits Competition and at the Decanter World Wine Awards, both held in Britain.

Fruit for the 2005 Seven Scenes Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from Sirromet's 150-hectares of cool climate vineyards at Ballandean on the Granite Belt, and the wine was produced and bottled at the company's headquarters at Mount Cotton, between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

"The palate is intense, powerful ripe Cabernet Sauvignon showing firm, berry fruit and soft, powdery tannins," said Sirromet's Chief Winemaker Adam Chapman.

"It has typical Granite Belt varietal characters and is excellent to drink by itself, or matched with venison and other game. The 2005 Vintage was one of the best for reds on the Granite Belt in many years."

The 2005 Seven Scenes Cabernet Sauvignon has a recommended retail price of $25 a bottle and is available from the winery's cellar door at its Mount Cotton headquarters and at selected restaurants and bottle shops.

Sirromet has now won a total of six medals in international wine competitions this year. The previous five were:

2008 Chardonnay du Monde (France): Silver -  2006 Seven Scenes Chardonnay

2008 Challenge International du Vin (France): Silver - 2006 Private Bin TM Viognier; Bronze - 2006 Sirromet Petit Verdot sparkling

2008 International Wine Challenge (Britain): Bronze - 2006 Private Bin TM Viognier, 2006 Sirromet Petit Verdot sparkling

Sirromet has won 336 medals and awards since opening in 2000. The winery is owned by Gold Coast businessman Terry Morris.

SIRROMET CLAIMS TWO MEDALS AT INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE IN BRITAIN

THURSDAY, MAY 22 2008: Sirromet Wines has won two bronze medals at the prestigious International Wine Challenge in Britain.

Results were announced yesterday after judging of more than 9,000 entries from 40 countries at the Barbican Centre in London.

Sirromet claimed bronze for a 2006 Private Bin TM Viognier white wine (recommended retail price $30 a bottle), and a 2006 Sirromet Petit Verdot sparkling red (RRP $20), both from Granite Belt fruit.

Both wines have now won two medals each in overseas wine competitions this year. The 2006 Private Bin TM Viognier previously secured a silver medal at the 32nd Challenge International du Vin in France in April, and the 2006 Sirromet Petit Verdot sparkling claimed bronze at the same event.

An IWC website report on its awards made the following comments about Sirromet's medal-winning wines.

2006 Private Bin TM Viognier: "Boiled sweet aromas on the nose. Peachy and refreshing. Balanced with hints of oranges and cream."

2006 Sirromet Petit Verdot sparkling: "Soft blackcurrant fruit on palate. Good colour with a good finish and length. Bags of blackcurrant fruit."

Both wines are from fruit from Sirromet's 150-hectares of cool climate vineyards at Ballandean on the Granite Belt, and they were produced and bottled at the company's headquarters at Mount Cotton near Brisbane.

Chief Winemaker Adam Chapman said the medals for both wines at two overseas competitions in the past month were significant because international judges had recognised Sirromet's consistency with viticulture and winemaking practices across two wine styles from the same Vintage (2006).

"The 2006 Vintage was solid, especially for the whites, and the Petit Verdot was rich and flavoursome," said Chapman.

"These medals prove Sirromet is achieving its goal of making clean, consistent wines of a world standard showing strong varietal characters and Granite Belt regional influences."

Both of Sirromet medal-winning wines are available from its cellar door at Mount Cotton. The 2006 Sirromet Petit Verdot sparkling is also available at Beer Wine Spirits (BWS) outlets in Queensland.

The 2008 IWC Awards Dinner will be held at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on September 3.

NOTE: Sirromet previously claimed a silver medal at the 2007 IWC event for its 2005 Seven Scenes Merlot (RRP $25). The winery has now won more than 330 medals and awards since opening in 2000.

SIRROMET WINS TWO MEDALS IN WINE COMPETITION IN FRANCE

FRIDAY, APRIL 18 2008: Sirromet Wines has won two medals for a Viognier and a Petit Verdot from Granite Belt fruit at the 32nd Challenge International du Vin competition in France.

Sirromet claimed a silver medal for a 2006 Private Bin TM Viognier (recommended retail price $30 a bottle), and a bronze for a 2006 Sirromet Petit Verdot sparkling (RRP $20).

Both wines are from fruit grown at Sirromet's 150-hectares of cool climate vineyards at Ballandean on the Granite Belt, and they were bottled at the company's headquarters at Mount Cotton near Brisbane.

"These medals are great news because it shows once again that Sirromet and the Granite Belt are capable of producing wines of international standard," said Chief Winemaker Adam Chapman.

The Challenge International du Vin competition comprised blind tasting of 5,129 wines from 35 countries, and results were announced this week at a lunch at the Blaye Citadel north of Bordeaux.

Australian wineries won a total of 20 medals - four gold, seven silver, and nine bronze. Jacob's Creek was the most successful Australian entrant with seven medals.

Sirromet's 2006 Private Bin TM Viognier has now won three medals in overseas competitions. The previous two were a silver at the 2007 Austrian Wine Challenge in Vienna, and a bronze at the 2007 Japan Wine Challenge.

Sirromet has 10.3-hectares of Viognier at Ballandean, and Chapman said the fruit thrived on growing conditions there.

"The quality keeps improving as the vines mature," he said.

"This particular wine (2006 Private Bin TM Viognier) was exposed to a mix of old and new French oak barrels with a small parcel undergoing malolactic fermentation. The result of this blending has produced a unique wine with complexity and structure."

The 2006 Sirromet Petit Verdot sparkling has also had previous medal success. In December the wine won a gold medal and the 'Best Sparkling' Trophy at The Courier-Mail & Sofitel Brisbane Queensland Wine Awards.

"This is a rich, full-bodied sparkling red," said Chapman. "It is something new for us because our previous Petit Verdot releases were table wines."

Both medal-winning wines are available from Sirromet's cellar door at Mount Cotton. The 2006 Sirromet Petit Verdot sparkling is also available at Beer Wine Spirits (BWS) outlets in Queensland.

Sirromet's medal success is its second in France in the past month. During March the company's 2006 Seven Scenes Chardonnay won a silver medal in the Chardonnay du Monde competition in Burgundy.

Sirromet has now won a total of 332 medals and awards since opening in 2000. The winery is owned by Gold Coast businessman Terry Morris. On-site attractions at the company's Mount Cotton headquarters include Restaurant Lurleen's, cellar door, and wine tastings and tours.

SIRROMET WINES REPORTS EXCELLENT VOLUME & QUALITY WITH 2008 VINTAGE CABERNET

FRIDAY, APRIL 4 2008: Optimum growing conditions on the Granite Belt have left Sirromet Wines confident the Cabernet fruit from its 2008 Vintage harvest is among the best it has produced since opening eight years ago.

"Some established cabernet regions around Australia have been affected by heatwave conditions, but our volume and quality are better than ever," said Sirromet's Chief Winemaker Adam Chapman.

Sirromet is crushing 180-tonnes of Cabernet fruit over the coming two weeks at its winery headquarters at Mount Cotton, near Brisbane.

The fruit is being sourced from Sirromet's 150-hectares of cool climate vineyards, located at 820-metres altitude at Ballandean on the Granite Belt.

"We crushed our first 20-tonnes of Cabernet this week and the Baume (alcohol) level was 13.5-percent and the acid level 7.7-percent, which is excellent," said Chapman.

"The condition of the fruit has been helped by cool nights on the Granite Belt over the past three months, around 10-degrees or lower, and a maximum of 28-degrees during the day."

"By comparison I've heard some South Australian regions had to pick their Cabernet a month earlier than usual. Temperatures were above 35-degrees for about a fortnight, and alcohol levels reportedly reached up to 21-percent."

"Our cabernet looks extremely solid, with good varietal and regional characters showing vanilla rich chocolate and blueberries."

Sirromet expects to crush a total of about 600-tonnes of red and white fruit from the 2008 Vintage, and Chapman said the winery's harvest schedule was operating as planned.

"There's no doubt the Granite Belt has been lucky with the weather, compared to some regions down south," he said.

Sirromet harvested most of its white fruit at Ballandean in February. The winery crushed 110-tonnes of Shiraz from its Granite Belt vineyards in mid-March, and expects to crush 80-tonnes of Merlot and 20-tonnes of Nebbiolo in the next fortnight.

NOTE: Sirromet's most decorated wine is its 2002 Seven Scenes Cabernet Sauvignon, which won three gold medals overseas, one of them at the 2005 San Francisco International Wine Competition.

SIRROMET WINES CHARDONNAY WINS SILVER MEDAL IN FRANCE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19 2008: Sirromet Wines has won a silver medal at this month's 15th annual Chardonnay du Monde competition in France.

The Mount Cotton-based winery claimed silver for its 2006 Seven Scenes Chardonnay from 100-percent fruit from its 150-hectares of cool climate vineyards at Ballandean on the Granite Belt.

Sirromet previously won a silver medal overseas for the same wine, which has a recommended retail price of $25, at the 2007 Austrian Wine Challenge in Vienna.

"This is a Chardonnay that is dry, nicely balanced, and shows regional and flinty granite soil influences," said Sirromet Chief Winemaker Adam Chapman.

The Chardonnay du Monde competition was held from March 12-15 at Chateau des Ravatys, the wine estate of Pasteur Institute at St Lager in the Burgundy region.

A total of 953 wine samples from 39 countries were submitted, with Australian wines claiming 12 medals - two gold, eight silver, and two bronze.

Gold medal winners from Australia were Wyndham Estate and McGuigan Simeon. Sirromet was joined among the silver medalhref="http://three.mettromagic.com/index.cfm from Australia by Jacob's Creek, Casella, Yalumba, Taylors/Wakefield, Wyndham Estate, McGuigan Simeon, and E & J Gallo.

Chapman said it was significant the company's 2006 Seven Scenes Chardonnay had achieved equal silver medal status alongside two acclaimed French wines - a Chateau Genot-Boulanger 2006 Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru 'Les Vergers', and a 2006 Domaine Michel Picard Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru 'Clos St Jean'.

"These French wines are usually priced at more than $100 a bottle in Australia, so it's great for Sirromet to see international judges putting our premium Chardonnay on an equal footing for quality," he said.

Chapman said fruit for Sirromet's 2006 Seven Scenes Chardonnay was sourced from three blocks covering 5-hectares at its Seven Scenes vineyard.

"Overall we have about 25-hectares of Chardonnay vines, and we have identified these three blocks for producing the most flavour, and interesting texture and structure," he said.

"We try to keep our Chardonnay wines lean, tight, and flavorsome, picking the fruit when it is just right and not too alcoholic, and adapting to changing growing conditions each vintage."

Sirromet has now won 330 medals and awards since opening in 2000. The winery is owned by Gold Coast businessman Terry Morris. On-site attractions include Restaurant Lurleen's, wine tastings, and tours.

SIRROMET WINS TWO CATEGORIES AT QUEENSLAND LIFESTYLE AWARDS

TUESDAY, MARCH 11 2008: Sirromet Wines and it's on-site Restaurant Lurleen's both emerged category winners from public voting at The Courier-Mail Queensland Lifestyle Awards in Brisbane last night.

The eight category winners were announced at a presentation function at Mirra in Fortitude Valley, and results were determined by public voting from February 5-24.

Sirromet's wines claimed the honours in the category for 'Best Queensland Product'.

Restaurant Lurleen's, located at the winery's headquarters at Mount Cotton, won the 'Best Restaurant' category.

Sirromet Chief Winemaker Adam Chapman said winning the 'Best Queensland Product' category was significant because voting results reflected public endorsement of the quality of the company's wines.

"We have won gold medals from expert wine judges in competitions in Australia and overseas, but what makes this award so special is the public voted us number one," said Chapman, who attended the presentation function and accepted the award.

"Since opening in 2000 we have aimed to produce quality wines and voting in these awards confirms the public think we are heading in the right direction. This is great news."

Sirromet's wines, which include a newly-released 2007 820 Above Pinot Gris, are mostly made from fruit sourced from its 150-hectares of cool-climate vineyards at 820-metres altitude at Ballandean on Queensland's Granite Belt. The company has a further 12-hectares of vines at Mount Cotton.

"I've always said 80-percent of good wine is made in the vineyards, and the quality of our Granite Belt fruit allows our winemaking and viticulture teams to achieve the consistency you need to drive consumer confidence," said Chapman.

In 2007 Sirromet won 11 medals in overseas wine competitions, including two at the Decanter World Wine Awards in London, while in Australia the company's 2006 Petit Verdot sparkling claimed a gold medal and trophy for 'Best Sparkling' wine at The Courier-Mail Sofitel Brisbane Queensland Wine Awards in December.

Restaurant Lurleen's Executive Chef Andrew Mirosch said winning the 'Best Restaurant' category at last night's awards was memorable because of the high level of competition from other dining establishments.

"There are many excellent restaurants in Queensland, so this award recognises the efforts of our staff with food preparation, presentation, and customer service," said the seven-times American Express Gold Plate winner.

Mirosch, who heads a team of 15 chefs and apprentices who prepare 1,800 meals weekly, said a point of difference for diners at Lurleen's was the 220-seat restaurant overlooked Sirromet's vineyards, and out to Moreton Bay and Stradbroke Island.

"There is a 'WOW' factor with the view, plus our customers can combine the dining experience with wine tasting at cellar door before or after their meal," he said.

"Our menu is 'modern Australian' and we use regional and seasonal produce whenever possible. We know the fishermen, farmers, and producers in the regions because we deal with them regularly."

Regional produce from Queensland on the menu at Lurleen's can includes bugs, sand crab, tiger prawns and squid from Moreton Bay, king prawns from North Stradbroke Island, venison from Texas, free range chicken and cheeses from Kingaroy, and strawberries and exotic lettuce from the Redlands.

Lurleen's staff who attended last night's awards included Head Chef Andie Taylor, Sous Chef Tim Connell, Pastry Chef Victor Marmysz, Rob Morris, and Teresa Morris. Chief Executive Ross Elliott was also present.

The restaurant is open for lunch from 11.30am seven-days-a-week, and for dinner from 6pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Breakfast is served from 9am to 10am Monday to Saturday, and Sundays from 8am to 10am.

Lurleen's won the 'Best Restaurant in a Winery' category at the Restaurant & Catering Queensland State Awards for Excellence for six successive years in 2002-03-04-05-06-07.

Sirromet is owned by Gold Coast businessman Terry Morris. The company's wines are available from cellar door at the winery, and in more than 800 bottle shops, restaurants, hotels, and resorts in Queensland, and nationally via the Beer Wine Spirits (BWS) liquor chain.