Hunter Valley Wines, Tapas Nights and Sunset Cruises... Good times!

Jock Tulloch of the family-owned Tulloch Winery of Australia, joined us at Wine Depot last weekend for some Cellar Door-style tasting at the Mandarin Hotel - One-on-One with Jock. The next day, it was all aboard the Rogue Summer Lifestyle Expo at the bay for the sunset cruise. 

For both events, though very different from each other, it seemed like the perfect hand accessory was an ice-cold glass of the very drinkable Tulloch Verdelho wine - fast becoming my favorite summer swig.

At the Tapas Night at the Mandarin Deli. 

Laid back vibe, superb food and overflowing drinks (care of Jock who went around pouring wine).
  

 The menu... a mouthwatering cornucopia of the best cold cuts, cheeses and deli items from Gourmet Depot, prepared by the talented chefs of the Mandarin.

One whole pata negra was the star of the buffet. Known as Jamon Iberico, it's the most premium Spanish ham you'll ever find - comes from the elusive black-hooved boars that have fed only on acorns.

also from the Iberian pig breed - Chorizo, Lomo, Morcon and Salcichon Iberico

 the tomahawk... a kilo of meat in one bone.

cheese...

and more cheese

some dessert... melt-in-your-mouth creme brulee

mini brazos

  Dry Red Shiraz and Cab Sauvignon from Tulloch

acoustics 

 Francis, Marie, Jock and Jaime Ugarte

Brett Tolhurst and Hazel (third from left) with Mr. and Mrs. Brett Marshall

Jock, myself, Alex, Grace, Joy, Lia and Anne

Although we had a late night, we still made it to the SEA EXPO the next day:)
destination: One Esplanade near Mall of Asia

at the entrance, a bevvy of boats and other water sporting equipment 

 We watched pro wakeboarders do stunts outside

but mostly we stayed at the Executive Lounge - a cool respite from the heat... It was open bar on wines, Santa Vittoria sodas and iced tea, sponsored by Wine Depot.

We also served gourmet coffee from Vittoria all day. I learned how to make real Capuccino and Latte!

Tulloch wines for tasting

other bottles we drank...

Then it was off to the boat for the sunset cruise with Rogue!

Just in time for the magic hour

Rogue's Katz Tuason-Cruz and Jock

then here with Olivier of BluInc and Jimmy Tarnate of BDO

More snapshots of our ride...

we didn't mind drinking from plastic cups... 

smile!

the afterparty

'Til next year for the SEA EXPO! And see you on October, Jock, for Toast!
Here's a little video of Jock inviting everyone to the biggest WINE FESTIVAL in the country...