This year the event focused on smaller, less-known wineries with the aim to include wines yet to be discovered by returning attendees.
Following a slow coach tour of northern Adelaide, the group arrived at its first destination in the Barossa, which was, of course, the local bakery – thoughtfully selected to ensure those who had skipped breakfast for the early start were able to enjoy the first wine tasting with a satisfied stomach. The group was lucky enough to have typical Adelaide spring weather for the trip, a perfect 30-degree day with plenty of sun and not a cloud in sight. Sitting outside the bakery, enjoying the much needed caffeine hit, the group started to discuss current and upcoming pipe projects, with the looming day of fun amongst the old vines also on everyone’s mind.
A group of Young Pipeliners Forum (YPF) members from Santos, GPA, SmartFab, Saunders International and DMITRE gave great diversity, with representatives from design consultants, operators and constructors, and made for interesting conversation across all aspects of the pipeline industry.
The first winery of the tour was Kies family wines, which boasted a cellar door situated in a quaint little stone cottage, surrounded by the family-owned vineyards. Everyone was surprised to hear that all the wines were still solely produced by the family from their own vineyards in the area, and not brought in by local growers. The tasting was short but a good introduction for the day.
The second winery visited was Langmeil. Langmeil is a more well-known winery and the wines did not disappoint, especially the reds, which had the typical full flavoured Shiraz the Barossa is well known for. The third stop was next door at the equally well-known Peter Lehmann winery. The group sampled a wine or two before sitting down outside on the lawns for a platter of local produce ranging from cured meats to pickles and cheese. The selected wines purchased for lunch complemented the tasty morsels provided, and with the sun out, it was hard not to savour the picturesque outdoor setting for the rest of the afternoon.
After a rally call to the troops, the group headed back into the coach and ventured on to the final two wineries visited, Whistler and Pindarie. Again the group enjoyed tastings at both. The amazing view available at Pindarie Cellar Door overlooking the rolling Barossa hills was definitely a trip highlight. Unfortunately it was getting late in the day and all good things must come to an end.
The tour was a great success, allowing young South Australian pipeliners to meet and network in a social setting, and provide everyone with an insight into projects from different perspectives in the industry. It also allowed everyone to enjoy the very best of South Australian food and wine with new-found friends.
The YPF wishes to thank Pentair and GPA Engineering for their ongoing sponsorship, without which the day would not have been the success it was.
Are you currently operating in South Australia’s pipeline industry and wanting to become involved as either a sponsor or a member in 2014? Contact South Australian YPF Chair Josh Wickham at {encode=”Josh.W@gpaeng.com.au” title=”Josh.W@gpaeng.com.au”}
