On my last trip to Perth (ten years ago), the major consideration behind a tour of the wineries was how much free wine could be knocked back and how to avoid driving. Back then the answer was simple – I took the Swan River wine cruise, and must have sunk a lot of wine as I have hazy memories of leading the dancing on the way back.
What a difference a decade makes. Our friends Paul and Sue (who live in Perth) have a 28-month old son, Connor, and as you know, Andrew and Ula have young Mattie (19-months). So let’s just say that the rules of the game have changed. Big style!
Our weekend trip to Margaret River was more like an expedition. For a start, there were two cars – and hence two drivers (well it’s a bit tricky to mountain-bike round the wineries with two babies and all their paraphernalia in tow). This time, the wineries were selected with military precision. Rather than stopping at every cellar door in the hope of breaking previous records, we actually chose wineries based on the presence of a children’s playground. There were surprisingly many.
Wine-tasting as a driver is actually not as bad as it sounds – you can still smell and taste the wine, but the disappointing part comes when you have to spit it out. Spittoons aside, there were whole lists of scrummy 14% reds which I passed on, out of fear of getting drunk on the fumes alone. Still, Dom and Andrew did a sterling job of appraising all the wines (gee thanks!) and buying the best for us to sample with dinner.
One thing I really love about Australia is that they have fully embraced the concept of BYO - Bring Your Own (booze), so we ventured out to the local restaurant with a stash of nice wine which didn’t cost a fortune. Sadly the logistics of eating out with two small children proved testing. At no single point during the meal were all six adults seated at the table. Connor had to be taken to the park and Matthew decided to explore every corner of the restaurant. Adding to the pressure, everything had to be eaten by seven-thirty – a combination of another booking in the restaurant and baby bedtime.
On the plus side, this gentle regime meant no hangovers. Although by the end of the week I was feeling distinctly fuzzy – more due to the lack of sleep that living (and driving) with a couple of babies does to you. It was great to go back to Perth and to meet up with Paul and Sue, but I tell you what – I’m looking forward to a baby-free trip to Hanoi next week!
Pictures: Paul and Connor and Dom and Andrew at Voyager winery
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