Spring is here, and with it that great Australian tradition: suggesting a group catch-up that never happens.
“We must get together!”
“Yes! Absolutely!”
Three heart emojis.
Someone suggests October.
Someone else has a wedding.
By Christmas, you have exchanged 47 messages but still haven’t actually sat in the same room.
And those friends in other cities or states?
“Come and visit anytime,” we say, confidently offering accommodation without committing to a single date.
I think we’re overdue for some proper face-to-face time.
The kind of conversations that wander off topic, involve terrible impressions and can’t be adequately captured by emojis.
Video calls are useful, but nobody’s best story should end with, “You’re on mute, Janet.”
Winter makes staying home dangerously appealing.
Luckily, spring is our cue to emerge.
Find the sunglasses.
Contact the friends.
Remember that we’re much more fun when we’re actually in the same room.
And a winery visit gives everyone something to say yes to.
You don’t need to know about wine.
You need a little curiosity and someone whose company you enjoy.
We can help with the wine.
Your choice of companion is up to you.
Try something unfamiliar.
Order some food.
Debate which bottle you’d take home.
Discover that your friend who “doesn’t drink Chardonnay” actually does when nobody mentions it first.
For friends coming from further afield, make a Hunter weekend of it.
Give the visit an actual date, rather than another enthusiastic exclamation mark.
At Latitude 32, we’ll supply the estate-grown Hunter wines, dumplings and vineyard views.
You bring the people you’ve been meaning to see.
Book a tasting, organise your designated driver and take home a bottle to open together next time.
We call it fun with serious intent.
The serious bit?
Making the booking before the group chat starts discussing Christmas.
More food & wine stories:
- Dumplings and DJ land at D’Vine Festival
- Hunter Valley’s Finest Wines Take Centre Stage
- Bartholomew’s unveils new dining era in Newcastle
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