Favourite Australian Wines

I love wine! And I remember being so disappointed when I first moved to Australia because I just couldn't find anything that was up to the standard I was used to in Europe (without paying a fortune).

When I finally found a wine I liked I was stuck with that until I got sooo sick of it, and had no choice but to go through that horrible phase again of trying out new wines (mostly not so good).

Well! Those days are OVER!!! And if you've been suffering the same fate, you're going to love this! Because Australia has some amaaaazing wine! And you don't have to pay a fortune for a good drop. For me, the answer has been Wine Selectors. They deliver to your door, and every single wine I've had from them has been wonderful. Some you love more than others, of course, but you get your money back anyway if you don't like it! Not that I have ever had to do that.

And now that I know a lot more about Australian wine and what's good and not, I can also pick up some real bargains on Grays Online (auction). Beware though, there's a lot of crap there too... I use Grays mostly to get my hands on bargain bottles from wineries I've already tried several bottles of, and know make good wine. Also, the bidding price is not the final price. There's a buyers premium on Grays, so read up on the sales-conditions etc. before you purchase.

I'm linking to the wineries as well, but remember that cellar door is usually quite expensive. You can normally get the wine cheaper through sites such as Wine Selectors, or sometimes get a good deal from Dan Murphy's or Vintage Cellars (usually a bit on the pricey end though, but a really good selection).

Anyway, let's get to the good stuff!

Sparkling

Sparkling is my absolute favourite. I love champagne, especially Moet, but that's more for special occasions. Some of the wineries below produce equally beautiful sparkling at a fraction of the price. Seriously. It's amazing. Try them! NOW!

Blue Pyrenees Estate, VIC

Blue Pyrenees Midnight Cuvee 2010 ($25-$35)

This one won the best Australian Sparkling in the World 2014. If you can get your hands on it, get it!

Blue Pyrenees Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir Meunier ($18-$25)

My favourite blend, if in doubt - go for Chadonnay Pinot Noir blends. They're beautiful. Nice and fruity, but dry and not too sweet.

Relbia Estate, TAS

Relbia Estate Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir NV ($25-35)

One of my favourite wineries in Tasmania. There's so much good wine being produced there at the moment! And this one is just incredible!!! I had to order more. If you love your sparkling, you just have to try it. They do some beautiful, light but full flavoured Pinot Noir as well.

Petersons Wines, NSW

Petersons Sparkling White ($16-25)

Petersons in the Hunter Valley are known for their sparkling wines. I always know it's going to be a good drop, nice and dry, beautiful tight beads and creamy finish. Yummy! And what a price!!!

Their 2010 Sparkling Cuvee is really beautiful as well, but try to get it elsewhere than the cellar door if you can. And have a look at the Peterson Sparkling House. I want to live there!

Patrick of Coonawarra, Mother of Pearl, SA

Mother of Pearl Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir ($15-22)

This is a beautiful wine, and an absolute bargain at the price. It's a bit expensive at Cellar Door, but I've seen it for $15 at Wine Selectors and Dan Murphy's. Keep an eye out for it!

Current Grays Bargain: Borgo Bello Prosecco Extra Dry

I absolutely love a nice, dry prosecco! The beads are so tight and it's soooo creamy. If you can still get your hands on this beauty, it's well worth the money (at least twice of what I paid). I got a case of 6 for $39 (plus buyer's premium and delivery), but when I went back to get more I had to pay $44 and I've seen it go as high as $94.

Other wineries you want to have a look at for amazing Australian Sparkling are: Katnook Estate, Wicks Estate, Cassegrain, Josef Chromy and Pipers Brook.

Whites

My favourite whites at the moment are Riesling, Pinot Gris and Semillon. I'm a bit over Sauvignon Blanc so it would have to be pretty incredible for me to choose that over one of the other varieties. Chardonnay is not my style, unless it's crazy expensive (strange how I always seem to enjoy those). I guess I just can't get past a good Chablis and am disappointed with anything else on the Chardonnay front. So I have to go to Vintage Cellars, and pay a bit extra, for my imported Chablis. 

Claymore Wines, SA

Claymore Joshua Tree Riesling, 2013
Wow! This is so nice! Dry, crisp, elegant, well balanced. If you enjoy a good Riesling, this is a bargain! They're doing a Dark Side of The Moon Shiraz 2012 as well that is sooo fruity and full bodied. Yum!


The Little Wine Company, NSW

Ian Parmenter Gewurtzrameiner 2012
This is the wine that really opened my eyes on what an Australian riesling could be like. Absolute YUM! I already knew The Little Wine Company does some awesom stuff (try their Verdelho!), but this is sensational. Nice and dry, fruity and zesty. The Pinot Noir from Josef Chromy, TAS in this series is sensational as well. The best I've ever had!

Tulloch Wines, NSW

Tulloch Vineyard Selection Semillon 2011/2012 ($17-25)

The Hunter Valley is well known for their Semillon and this is a very good example of that! I love the zesty finish, fruit and balance of this wine.


Devil's Corner, TAS

Devil's Corner Sauvignon Blanc 2013

I predict these wines are going to go up up up in price the coming years, so snag your bottles now! I told you it would have to be an incredible Sauvignon Blanc to make my list - and this one is just beautiful. Nice and light, fruity, but crisp. Perfect summer wine! They do some pretty awesome Pinot Noir too!

Current Grays bargain: Domaine Houchart Cotes de Provance Rose 2013
Not exactly white, but it had to be in here. Sooooo good! It's light, but elegant, full of fruit and I love the taste of sour cherries in the finish. You have to keep your head cool to get this at a good price, I got it for $64 (6 bottles), but have seen it go for between $44-124.

Reds

Apart from Sparkling, reds are where my heart truly lie. I especially love Cabernet Sauvignon, or blends, but have really been getting into my Pinot Noir lately as well. A spicy Shiraz during winter is never wrong either!

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, SA ($15-40)

There are so many beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon from the Coonawarra Region in South Australia, that I am putting this under one heading.

My favourite winery all time is Zema Estate. Their Family Selection is their premium range (the 2006 ($40+) is to die for!), but I've been enjoying the Zema Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 ($25-40) immensely. I also managed to snag a few bottles of the 2004 on Grays recently and they're drinking very well (huge smiley face). Keep an eye out for good bargains on wine from this winery!

Other favourites for Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra are Rymill ($16-24), Leconfield ($27-40) and Katnook Estate,($17-25). All super smooth, fruity and crying for you to match with cheese.

D'Arenberg, SA
The king of blends, known for high quality wines and a stunning vineyard. Their Dead Arm Shiraz is usually crazy expensive (for a reason), but try their GSM blend The Shepherd's Clock ($20-30)! I love it! Nice and smooth, spicy, fruity, perfect.

Irvine Wines, SA

Irvine Springhill Merlot, 2012
I'm not usually a big fan of Merlot, but this particular one is to die for. It's so full bodied, got a bit of a bite, but soooooo smooth. And fruity. And beautiful. You will love this wine regardless of which type of red you usually prefer. They also do a very good sparkling!

Henschke, SA

It's expensive. It's beautiful. It's elegant. I especially enjoy their Lenswood Giles Pinot Noir. And got a 2004 at Grays for an incredible price. It's so beautiful! Usually ranging the $40 mark and up up up, keep an eye out for something special.

Current Grays bargain: Peos Estate Classic Dry Red, 2011
I managed to get a case of 12 bottles of this amazing wine - for $39!!! It drinks like a $20-30 bottle and I found myself preferring it to other, more expensive bottles I had at home. I already knew that Peos Estate produces beautiful wine so it was worth the gamle, and I'm delighted it paid off! If there are still any left - go for it (there are two versions of it, though, so if the label is different I haven't tried that one)!

This is just a handful of wines that I have been enjoying lately and would highly recommend. There are so many beautiful wineyards in Australia! Generally I tend to go South Australian when it comes to my reds, and cool climate for my sparkling and whites. But that's just a general rule and it's broken regularly.

Have you found your favourite Australian wine producers? I would love to know about them! 

iHerb favourites 2014

Iherb is my favourite store for health foods, organic products and everything protein. I have been trying out a lot of new products lately, and would like to share some of my new favourites with you guys.

Remember, if you use the code AGA408 on your first order, you will get $10 off. Iherb offers really good, and cheap, international shipping at only $4, or $8 using DHL-express which I usually choose.

Have a look at my other blog post as well - Iherb Favourites - for even more tips on great products!

Protein

First, I'd like to start off with some new favourite protein products.

ChocoRite Protein Powder

Finally I have found the perfect protein powder! They blend well (I always use a blender though, to get a really creamy blend - yum!) and work well for baking. The flavours are amazing, and I think the price is really good value. My favourite is probably the vanilla flavour, but the chocolate is really good too. I will also be trying the peanut butter one next time. Sounds so yummy!

Quest Nutrition Protein Bar

These bars are in my opinion the best on the market. And what an amazing price on iHerb! My two favourites are the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and the Cookies and Cream. If you put them in the microwave for 20 seconds they're absolute heaven.

Snacks

It's always nice to throw in a few snacks when ordering, and these are some of the ones I've really been enjoying lately. They also make great little extra gifts for christmas and other occasions!

Almondina Biscuits

These are great little biscuits, and the recommended serving size of 4 is a great little treat with your tea or coffee, or for something sweet after a meal. They're meant to be hard, but they're thin and oh so yummy! The original is my favourite, but they also have a delicious chocolate version, mmm.

Alter Eco Truffles

Silky smooth, rich flavour and oh so yummy! My favourite are the black truffles, but the dark milk chocolate one is really good too. And if you're into the salty/sweet combo the sea salt one is absolutely divine! What a treat!

Yummy Earth Gummy Bears

Who doesn't like gummy bears? Yummy Earth have a good selection of organic sweets, but the gummy bears are my absolute favourite.

Tea

I love tea. I can never get enough, and I love trying out new brands!

Harney & Sons

I could write an entire blogpost just about this tea. I love all of them! And I LOVE the tins they come in, so decorative and can be used for all kinds of storage afterwards. My two favourites are the Paris and Vanilla Comoro. I usually add a few drops of Vanilla Stevia and some milk - and I'm in heaven. I really love the Cinnamon one as well, though. And the Raspberry Herbal makes for beautiful iced tea! Honestly, I want every single tea they carry.

Rishi Tea

Sometimes you want loose leaf tea, and these are delicious! My favourites are the Blueberry Rooibos (yum!) and Hibiscus Berry. A must try!

Hair and body

My hair and skin has never been as good as after I started using organic products. 

Shikai Moisturizing Shower Gel

My favourite is the Gardenia scented one. How divine!!! It doesn't dry out your skin, and feels really luxurious. The scent is amazing. A good second is the French Vanilla. 

Mineral Fusion Shine Balm for Hair

This hair balm styles your hair lightly and makes it look shiny and soft. I use it after showering and it helps define my curls, but sometimes I also use it to help keep my hair soft and straight. So it's very multi purpose. Love it!

Deep Steep Moisture Stick

How good is this stuff? My favourite is the Grapefruit Bergamot, but the Lavender Chamomile is really nice too. Great for dry spots on your face, especially before bed. I get eczema at times and this is one of the few moisture sticks I have no reaction with. And what a price!!! So worth the money!

Badger Company Anti-Bug Spray

I have previously told you about their Anti-Bug Balm, but my new favourite is the Anti-Bug Spray. Mosquitos love me, and this little guy here helps me fend them off. Wouldn't go outside at night without it!

Other favourites that I have written about previously and always stock up on are:

- Desert Essence Shampoo and Conditioner, and their Jojoba oil
- Alba Botanica Very Emolient Cream Shave
- Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner
- Nubian Heritage African Black Soap
- Yogi Tea Egyptian Licorice and Bedtime
- Garlic Gold Italian Herb Nuggets
- Le Saunier de Camargue Fleur De Sel
- NuNaturals Singing Dog Vanilla Extract Stevia

What are your favourite iHerb products? Anything I should try?

iHerb favourites

It's been several years since I started shopping through iHerb, especially when it comes to various health foods, tea and organic beauty products.

Honestly, the fact that most of the products you get on iHerb are organic, and that it's a vegan's paradise, was never really my top reason for shopping there. It is, however, a very nice bonus and I have noted that especially the beauty products have made my hair and skin healthier than ever before.

The main reason for shopping at iherb, however, has been the low prices, quality and range of products you get access to. Over the years I have found some wonderful products and I thought I'd share some of my favourites with you guys! :)

Especially now that I've moved to Australia, I find that it's a great way of getting products delivered to my door that I can't really find here or that would cost a fortune otherwise. As long as you keep the weight of every parcel under 4 pounds (iHerb will easily show you how much everything weighs) it only cost $4-6 in shipping as well!

If you're a first time buyer and looking to try some of these amazing products - make sure to use the code AGA408 for up to $10 discount on your first order! :)

Yogi Tea
I absolutely love Yogi tea! As opposed to a lot of other tea you can actually taste what is says on the label, it's caffeine free and a great guilt-free treat at any time during the day!

My absolute favourite is Egyptian Licorice, but I also stock up on Chai Rooibos and Bedtime frequently.

Chocolove
How divine are these! My all time favourite is the Almonds & Sea Salt in Dark Chocolate, but Toffee & Almonds in Milk Chocolate is really yummy too! They're also great as a little something extra when giving a present, and everyone I've given them to have loved them!

Atkins Bars
I used to buy more of these when I lived in Norway, where one bar cost the same as five on iHerb, but they're good value when living in Australia too. I love Peanut Butter Cups and find that it's a nice little snack for when you're craving something sweet! Since they're not that big I don't feel as guilty afterwards either :)
 

Garlic Gold
I use the Italian Herb Nuggets for almost everything when cooking! This spice is wonderful sprinkled over salads, over cooked vegetables, on cheese-melts or over pasta. I usually add it to a dish as a finishing touch and love the flavour it adds!

Le Saunier de Camargue
I can't say enough how amazing this salt, Fleur De Sel, is! It's a bit expensive, but oh so worth every cent! I sprinkle it over dishes just before serving and it really brings out those extra flavours. It's also amazing on eggs, vegetables and over roasted potatoes!

Frontier Natural
I have a few of the spices from Frontier and love all of them! The Apple Pie Spice is just divine over desserts, oatmeal or even toast! I also have their Taco Seasoning and Ceylon Cinnamon (which is a bit sweeter than "regular" cinnamon) and they seem to disappear way to quickly! ;)


NuNaturals
One of my all-time favourites from iHerb is Vanilla Stevia! I have tried a few from different brands, and this is definitely the one I like the best. It's sweet, but with all that vanilla flavour you want. I add 4-5 drops to my tea, in coffee (especially good for home-made iced coffee), to pancake batter, in plain yoghurt and when baking!

Bell Plantation PB2
I have both the regular Powdered Peanut Butter and the Powdered Peanut Butter with Premium Chocolate and I LOVE both of them! Adding a couple of table spoons to your pancake mixture makes for divine peanut butter pancakes, it works especially well when making cookies, and can be added to smoothies, yoghurt and even ice cream! I love the stuff!

Walden Farms
Calorie Free Pancake Syrup that tastes good??? Yup! You heard me right! Totally guilt free and really, really yummy on top of pancakes (of course), waffles, ice-cream (though it looks a bit odd when it freezes), in yoghurt and probably good for baking as well.


Miracle Noodle
Honestly, I've only tried the Angel Hair Miracle Noodle once. I liked it, but haven't bought it again because I thought it was a bit of a hassle for cooking some noodles. However, they are totally calorie free, behaved like noodles and work really well in dishes where they're not the main ingredient.

Desert Essence
My absolute favourite brand for anything to do with my hair! I swear to their Red Raspberry Shampoo and Conditioner - it has made my hair so much healthier! And it smells divine! I use the 100% Pure Jojoba oil for styling my curls (just a little bit in your palms and then massage through your hair gently - be careful not to use too much though!), in addition to the Coconut Soft Curls Cream for when I want extra defined curls. I also LOVE the Tea Tree Oil Facial Cleansing Pads.

Giovanni
Another favourite for hair and body. The L.A. Hold Hair Spritz is the best hair spray I've ever had! It gives a strong hold, but the hair stays natural and it's easy to comb through afterwards.

Alba Botanica
The best (and cheapest) sunscreen I've ever had is the Hawaiian Sunscreen SPF 45. It's easy to apply, absorbs quickly, water proof for 80 minutes and it has never failed to protect me! I even use it as a moisturizer sometimes. They also have an amazing shaving cream that I have become totally reliant on. The Papaya Mango Moisturizing Cream Shave ensures you never have a cut again! I've also used their Very Emolient Cream Shave and it's really good too.


The Mineral Terra Tints Lip Balm from Alba Botanica is also one of my favourites. I have it in the colour Blaze, which is a dark red, and I absolutely love it as an alternative to lipstick! It stays on well, cost next to nothing and moisturizes at the same time! Similarly, their Shimmering Natural Colour Gloss is really nice - although I don't wear it much if it's windy as my hair gets stuck in it!

Thayers
I use this rose water Original Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera as a make-up remover, to cleanse my skin in the morning before moisturizing or to refresh my skin during the day. It's so gentle, feels good on the skin, moisturizes gently and smells really nice.

Queen Helene
I have used this Mint Julep Masque for a while and it works really well. My skin feels nice and soft afterwards, and I've also noticed that it helps against black spots and my T-zone. Plus, it smells really nice!

Kiss my Face
I've heard a lot of good stuff about this brand and decided to get the Peppermint Foot Creme. It's amazing! I've used it with these Sustainable Moisture Socks from Eco Tools, whom I also love, with great success! Highly recommended for tired feet!




Madre Labs
I got this Nighttime Recovery Cream on one of iHerb's specials (only $11) and wish I remembered to put it on more often! It leaves my skin nice and soft and I always feel a bit fresher in the morning. I'm definitely going to try to use this more often in the future!




Nubian Heritage
I don't use this African Black Soap myself, but my boyfriend loves it! So does my father and any other male I know that's tried it. It has a really nice smell, moisturizes and also looks a bit manly ;) Great gift for any man in the house (or yourself!).

Badger Company
And last, but not least my dear friend the Anti-Bug Balm! Mosquitos love me and I get eaten up alive if I ever sit outside after dark - but this balm actually fixes all of that. It smells like lemon, easy to put on and is nice and soft on the skin. It is a bit like wearing a lemon moisturizer, but as far as anti-mosquito stuff goes it's the best repellant I've tried! And it's cute.


I do have a few more products that I love from iHerb as well, especially protein powder, phsyllium husk, almond flour and other stuff that I like to use for baking, but I don't bake that often anymore.

Update: For more favourites you can also read this blogpost!

Do you have any iHerb favourites that I should know about?