Hunter Valley Wine Tasting (Sat 20th Feb 2016)

[TomVexille]

I am interested weather permitting... That CP seems a little expensive though. $700 for 2 nights in a CP?

That's where it moves out of reach for us.

 

[blackcat20]

I am interested weather permitting... That CP seems a little expensive though. $700 for 2 nights in a CP?

Agree! We've tentatively booked the CP in Newcastle but I'm not sure we will be able to make the trip work.

 

[Bindibuys]

I realise most here will want the "membership" thingy with IHG, but there is plenty of accommodation at much more reasonable prices to be found.

 

[TomVexille]

I realise most here will want the "membership" thingy with IHG, but there is plenty of accommodation at much more reasonable prices to be found.

That's fine. We just need to be able to walk/public transport to wherever the bus is leaving/dropping off. Having never been it's hard to know where is a decent affordable place to stay.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Agree! We've tentatively booked the CP in Newcastle but I'm not sure we will be able to make the trip work.

As I mentioned above, I should be able to work something out additionally for those staying in Newcastle. Options will depend on numbers travelling to and from there.
I live 10 minutes drive from the CP Harbourside but am planning to stay in the Hunter Valley on the Sat night.

The Hunter is a little bit awkward for travelling as the NTL/Vineyards/CBD are essentially separate corners of a fairly large triangle. Public transport to and from NTL is woeful and there's no train link.

Keep your tentative booking at this stage as I'm keen to work something out.

 

[jojen]

For those coming to grips with weekend prices charged in the Hunter for accomodation a few suggestions.

Pokolbin Village Resort

Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens ( NOT the Vintage )

Harrigans Irish Pub

Cypress Lakes

Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill

These suggestions are close to the first winery we are visiting and pick up from any of these would be ok, but may require a start 10 mins earlier to allow for pick ups.

Accomodation would also be cheaper in Cessnock, with a taxi to and from the Crowne Plaza the easiest way to the meeting point. Not sure of taxi cost but should be about $20 each way.

Hope this helps !!

jojen

 

[SFSC]

We (two of us) are Silver but trending towards Gold for this event. Although located only 55 minutes from the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, we have booked both the Fri. and Sat. nights there at the Senior's rate (not cheaper but can be cancelled if required).

 

[Buzzard]

Colour +1 and I Gold. Will need to confer with Mrs.B when she returns from Armidale.

Newcastle would certainly make life easier for us unless the bus/coach goes via Bobs Farm, my second home.
We actually enjoy the train trip from SYD to NTL.

On a side note, knowing that you need certain numbers to cover costs, I could most likely rustle up some locals that would be interested in coming but they are not AFFers. Let me know if you need to fill seats.

 

[penegal]

I realise most here will want the "membership" thingy with IHG, but there is plenty of accommodation at much more reasonable prices to be found.

I am not much of an IHG fan. Therefore I am happy to go non-chain and see the local hospitality. My main concern is being close enough to the CP that I can meet the bus (or perhaps the bus could meet me?)

 

[JohnK]

Unfortunately I will have to be bronze due to working across that weekend.

*sad face*

Didn't they confirm the dates with all moderators?

 

[Princess Fiona]

Didn't they confirm the dates with all moderators?

Nope, only those organizing FT events

 

[Bindibuys]

I am not much of an IHG fan. Therefore I am happy to go non-chain and see the local hospitality. My main concern is being close enough to the CP that I can meet the bus (or perhaps the bus could meet me?)

If you stay at: Cessnock/anywhere near intersection of Broke & McDonalds Rds/CP you will be fine for pick-ups, (either by bus or me)

If you want QF CSM hospitality, stay at Cottages on Mount View, www.cottagesonmountview.com.au Andy is one of the owners and on site when not flying.

 

[Buzzard]

I've taken the plunge and booked a free cancellation cheap and cheerful in NTL. Now sitting back waiting to see if there will be a pick up there. And for Mrs. B to come home so I can tell her what I've done.

 

[Princess Fiona]

At this stage looks like we have the following

Gold
Princess Fiona
Shrek
Bindibuys + 1
Jojen + 1
GPH
ALH
TomVexville
Blackcat20
QF WP + 1
FuzzyAUS + 1
Buzzard + 1
Penegal
Boomy
wooley

Silver
Stark
Drron
Mrsdrron
Anna
Straitman
SueOz
Doug_Westcott
Feezable + 1
tuapekastar
Major
SFSC + 1

Bronze
kpc
JessicaTam

Some of the silvers may be gold and vice versa please feel free to correct me.
The numbers will be capped at 24 due to the wineries booked for group tasting.

 

[wooley]

Colour me gold please

 

[Princess Fiona]

Colour me gold please

Done ........

 

[boomy]

I've made two flexi bookings: one night at Junction hotel in Newcastle in case I'll come solo and another for two nights at Chateau Elan (great place, looking forward to stay there again) in case my +1 will be able join.

 

[JohnM]

Colour me gold please

You're only going to watch PF do burnouts and wonder at the disappearing tyres :mrgreen:.

 

[boomy]

The JQ "Take A Friend For Free" promo sealed the deal for us, please list me as platinum +1

 

[Princess Fiona]

The JQ "Take A Friend For Free" promo sealed the deal for us, please list me as platinum +1

Done .......