National Wine Centre: With Keith Conlon in the Adelaide City region of South Australia
The National Wine Centre on the corner of Botanic and Hackney Road had a troubled beginning. Some still reckon it shouldn't have been plonked in the parklands. Others were angered by what they disparagingly call an 'unfinished arc' which forced the Botanic Gardens administration centre to move out. Then there were the wild predictions of hordes of international tourists flocking to pay big dollars to see the hi-tech exhibition within.
That, of course, didn't happen. It was all shaping up to be a pretty average vintage. But five years on, it's been refined and blended into a very palatable experience. What's under the skyward skeletal barrel staves is all open to the public and it's free!
Wine industry offices still occupy the wing facing Hackney Road. When the University of Adelaide snapped up a 40-year peppercorn lease on the rest of the building from the Government in 2003 some feared that the architecturally bold structure would be turned into an expensive teaching building and we'd lose a potential tourist treasure.
'Never fear' says Marketing Manager, Susan Hall. "It's very public. We have great numbers of people come through the centre each day, whether they are from Adelaide or interstate. We also have a lot of international tourists as well."
So, what do they see? Well, head up the ramp past the giant red rammed earth wall - the biggest in Australia. There are no tickets - no charge - just a state of the art journey through our multi-billion dollar wine industry. You can look round on your own or book a guided tour with Customer Services Manager, Murray Pope.
The first room on the Wine Discovery Journey features a giant map of Australia.
"This is a map that shows the current temperatures in different parts of Australia and updates every hour through the internet," said Murray. "The map also displays the recognised wine regions we have in Australia."
All 58 of them - in fact, most people, especially locals are surprised to learn how extensive and widespread the wine industry is in Australia.
An international award winning video portrays the four seasons in an Adelaide Hills vineyard and a wall displaying very life-like grape varieties. The grapes aren't real - they are made from plastic and painstakingly painted.
Another cabinet displays a huge vine, complete with roots. "It's a 150 year old Shiraz vine from St Hallett's in the Barossa Valley," said Murray. "It took two people two days to remove it from the ground, using high pressure hoses, including the roots."
There are five sections to the Wine Discovery Journey, which take us through the history and development of the industry as well as the hi-tech process and heavy-duty hardware involved. You can even try your hand at blending your own 'virtual wine' on special touch-screens.
"Once you enter the Wine Discovery Journey you can learn a lot about Australian wine and how much of an influence we've had all over the world. Its something to be very proud of," said Susan.
After your journey make time for a bite or a cuppa at the new Concourse Café on the ground floor. It's a favourite lunch spot for nearby city workers.
If your experience upstairs has woken your senses you can sample the impressive and extensive wine list by the glass. Want something a little more structured? Cellar Door Manager, Daniel Smith will oblige with a tailor-made journey of aromas and tastes.
"We've got a variety of tastings," explained Susan. "But it's nothing too technical. It's not an overload of information. You get to learn the basics so you can head out to the wineries and have a nice basic knowledge of wine."
They also run extended public wine courses. Wandering around the National Wine Centre it's easy to forget this is all part of the University… and that's intentional. Winemakers of the future might be slaving over their accounting unit behind closed doors - but out front, it's accessible to us all.
Beneath the skyward stretching vaulted spans are a number of function rooms - big and small. There's been a surge in interest since the giant Busby Room was the venue of choice for the Premier's wedding. Other times it hosts exhibitions, grand dinners, school formals, fund-raisers - events of all types.
But if your plans are little more modest - there's always a simple snack under the Jacaranda trees.
Over First Creek is the wine centre's own vineyard. Fourteen varieties now grow where the old bus depot used to be. Make sure you wander over for some different views of the unique building.
Originally a big Centenary of Federation project, the National Wine Centre, has matured into a surprising blend - wine education, tastings, University lectures and a first class wine shop. It doesn't matter if you are a seasoned wine connoisseur, a complete novice or even a tea-totaller - they'd love you to visit. It's a soaring monument to our superb success at New World wine - it's open to the public and it's free!
The National Wine Centre is open daily from 10 to 5 - later on some days including "Fridays Uncorked" every fortnight. The Centre is available for tastings, tours and functions.
National Wine Centre
Cnr Botanic & Hackney Road
Adelaide
Open daily
Fridays Uncorked
Fortnightly 4.30pm
Ph 8303 3355Published 24th August 2008
