This past weekend had to be the best one yet! I know that I said my favorite day ever was last week, but it has now been surpassed. This proves that studying abroad is just getting better and better.
We went to Hunter Valley because a gracious alum sponsored our visit to three wineries! Our first stop was at Brokenwood Winery, where we drank wine made all over Australia. The first winery had the best sommelier, and I had so much fun talking to him. He had done research on Bucknell before we went, so we talked a bit about Lewisburg and why we chose Bucknell. He also gave us the scoop on the best beach in Sydney, so I plan on going later this week and hopefully, it lives up to his review! I’ve never thought of myself as a wine drinker, but I loved the Semillon and the Shiraz. They were really fresh and easy to drink. The standout, however, was the dessert wine, Sticky Wicket, which I did buy a bottle of. I’ve never had any drink like it and it tasted like pure honey.
Our second winery was Ernest Hill, where we all sat together in one big room. It felt less intimate than the first winery, where we had been split into two smaller groups. However, knowing that all the wine was made in the Hunter Valley region made the experience even more special. I also loved the family-owned aspect. I ended up buying two bottles of sparkling sweet Semillon, so I racked up quite a haul on the first day!
That night, my roommates and I headed to The Kingfish for dinner. I got the scallops and loligo squid, and it’s now tied with lunch at Bon Ap’Petite Bistro in Melbourne as my favorite meal in Australia! It was a great way to spend time with the girls and explore more of Newcastle.
Newcastle in the daytime is completely different in a good way, especially since it was a bit scary at night. There were tons of families and dogs, and the wharf/pier was absolutely gorgeous. We went back to the same area as dinner to grab some coffee and matcha before lunch. The matcha left much to be desired, but the coffee shop was really beautiful.
On Sunday, we visited Margan Winery, where we were all together again, just like at the second winery. However, this one was the most picturesque. It had such a classy and sophisticated atmosphere, which I absolutely loved. Our tasting took place in a cellar, which was an amazing experience. It was really cool to see the oak barrels where wine was actively aging before eventually being sold. I ended up picking up a bottle of red Barbera wine for my mom, so now, I’ll be on the hunt for another suitcase!
Today, my roommates and I did the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk, with the end goal being brunch at Blackwood in Bondi. It was Maddie’s and my first time doing the walk, and it was absolutely gorgeous. After about two hours of walking, we made it to Blackwood, where I had the best brunch of my life. I’m not usually a big fan of brunch or café food, but it truly blew my mind. If you go, you have to get the Morning Glory. A few of us are already planning to go again before class on Wednesday!
