| Meet The Coker's Tennis Channel Sweepstakes |
Neil Roberts (Tennis Channel) with We even had our own page on Tennis Channel's Website! You
Nisha & Kevin in Melbourne. can WIN TOO! The 2009 contest is open untii 01/31/08.
Nisha & Kevin in Melbourne. can WIN TOO! The 2009 contest is open untii 01/31/08.
The Tennis Channel Aussie Mania Sweepstakes Winner Blog
Do I still think the phone call was “SPAM?”
Nope! Not anymore. We are actually heading to Los Angeles on the first
leg of our journey to the 2008 Australian Open, courtesy of The Tennis
Channel - a trip that almost didn’t happen.
It was March of 2007 when the call came from Neil Roberts, Marketing
Director of the Tennis Channel. At first I thought it was a prank
because the caller made the ridiculous claim that I had won the Aussie
Mania Sweepstakes! Yeah, yeah, yeah, sure, sure – and you want my
credit card and social security number too, right? I told the prank
caller that I happened to be at my son’s baseball practice and asked if
he could possibly call me back tomorrow. I did notice the tone of
surprise and incredulousness in the voice of the caller and he
grudgingly agreed to call me back. As I sat watching the kids play
ball, a sense of doubt and curiosity struck me at once. Could that
actually have been the Tennis Channel? I vaguely remembered entering a
sweepstakes, but it seemed to have been so many months ago. I looked
at the caller id on my cell phone and decided to hit redial. What was
there to lose? To my amazement and much to my chagrin the call was
answered in a very crisp and professional manner, “Hello, the Tennis
Channel. How may I direct your call?”
“Uh oh,” I thought. I then realized that I had quite possibly lost out
on a very grand prize. I quickly explained who I was and why I was
calling and was promptly given the voicemail of someone who could
hopefully bail me out of my situation. As the baseball practice ended
and we made our way home I immediately went to Google and entered the
phone number reflected in the call earlier and there it was, on my
screen in front of me, the corporate site of the Tennis Channel with
the phone number listed as the primary contact. As I slunked back in
my chair, I realized that this was no prank or scam and that I had won
the 2008 Aussie Mania Sweepstakes….and I had just told the Marketing
Director to call me back tomorrow. Nice.
The Call Back
My wife, Nisha knows that I am a cautious man. She was not surprised
that I had asked the Tennis Channel Marketing Director to call me back
tomorrow. I spent much of the day watching the phone for Neil to call
me back. It finally came, and with much humility I explained
everything and was relieved when he told me that I was still the winner
and the prize hadn’t been awarded to a more appreciative contestant!
After a short exchange of contact information and more apologies from
me, we agreed to remain in touch as plans were finalized. As the
details of the trip came in we learned we would fly from our nearest
airport of Houston to Los Angeles, and then from LA to Sydney for 2
nights and then to Melbourne, home of the Australian Open. We just
couldn’t believe our luck - a trip to Australia, a VIP tour of a famous
winery, luxurious accommodations and tickets to some of the best tennis
in the world. It really didn’t sink in for us until now – all these
months later at 30,000 feet in the air heading for Los Angeles.
The Confession
We know absolutely nothing about tennis. Don’t be hatin’.
The Wait
It is an incredibly long year in the life of a sweepstakes winner. It
all starts with the notification, the affidavit, insuring ETA’s for the
Australian Visa’s are filled out and printed, checking passport
expiration dates and all of the last minute preparations for overseas
travel. My advice at this point is to shop for the trip to Australia
in the summer. If it is winter where you live, you might find it
difficult to find season appropriate attire for Australia in January.
We definitely had our hands full planning for this trip. We both
commute long hours for work, along with a running a small farm where we
raise registered Texas Longhorns, chickens, 10 farm cats, miniature
Mediterranean donkeys and 3 very active boys – Jake (11), Adam (8) and
Ethan (6). Our oldest sons Zach (19) and Ryan (17) live in Florida –
one in college and the other just months away. We are very fortunate
to have Mom and Dad graciously agree to cover for us. They will live
in our house while we are away - a situation the boys couldn’t be more
excited about.
The Journey Begins
The day is here and Grandma and Grandpa arrived for sitting/farm
duties. We quickly ran them through the operations of our farm and the
idiosyncrasies of our 111-year old farm house. I really feel bad for
my in-laws – not just with trying to keep up with 3 rambunctious boys,
but since we have maintained all the original floors and windowpanes it
will be hard to heat the house of our very old home above 68 degrees.
I’m hoping they really don’t mind the conditions as this is a great
opportunity for them to spend a week in the country, spend time with
their grandkids, gather the eggs each day and enjoy some quality
rocking chair time on the front porch. Our journey started with a
quick cup of Starbucks and the 90 minute drive into the Houston
airport. As quickly as it started, it almost ended! We didn’t print
out our ETA’s and we couldn’t check our baggage without that
documentation. Fortunately, the very kind Continental agents were able
to retrieve our ETA’s online and we were given our boarding passes
without delay. Here we go…it is definitely for real now! We will be
in LA in a few hours before the 13 hour flight to Sydney. I have my
watch set on Sydney time with hopes of a quick time adjustment to the
Land Down Under. We will arrive in Sydney at 8:00 a.m. on Friday.
Being 6’3 and 275 pounds, these airline seats feel like a torture
chamber. Friday, 8:00 a.m. might just as well be next month.
Arrival Sydney
That was the longest either of us had been on an airplane! All in all,
not too bad. Quantas has a really cool entertainment system that
caters to most a/v needs. The crew was attentive and made sure we were
comfortable throughout the flight. For the next winner, I recommend
you call ahead and request your seats in advance because once the plane
fills to 70% capacity they will no longer issue seating arrangements
until 48 hours prior to departure. If you are sitting within 4 rows of
designated “infant seating” you will need a very good set of earplugs.
(by the end of the flight the little darling was cooing and smiling at
all of us and for a fleeting moment it made me miss those days……) We
landed and made it through customs with no problems, retrieved our bags
and found our way to the taxi line and then off we were to check in at
the Sydney Stafford Rendezvous Hotel. It is located in the heart of
the Rocks, with a spectacular view of the Quay and the Sydney Opera
House. I had already received great service from the hotel as I had
earlier inquired about transfer options from the airport to the hotel
and received a quick, detailed and informative response via email. A
short cab ride from the airport (about $40 USD), the hotel is an
unassuming respite in the heart of the Rocks. We were cheerfully
greeted by Angela at the front desk and she recommended an area close
by where we could find a quick bite to eat. We ended up at the Rocks
Café, which we later learned is a Rocks icon. What a wonderful meal!
We had the Bubbles and Squeak. I’m not sure exactly what that would be
in Texas, but here it consists of mashed potatoes mixed with seasonal
vegetables, topped off with two fried eggs and served with a side of
thick bread. The Cappuccino was probably the best I’ve ever had.
Nisha & "the girls"
Blue is not as impressed...
| Arrival Sydney, Austalia 11 Jan 2008 Below: Nisha looking very happy that I took her picture after a 13 hour flight. |
| Hey buddy, your steering is missing! |
| Rendezvous Hotel, Sydney Below: Our view from the room |
Circle Quay
Sydney
Market
Market
| Two panorama shots taken at Circle Quay, Sydney (HP Photosmart R937) |
Our day trip to the McWilliam’s Winery began with a bus ride from the Four
Seasons Hotel via Rover Coach to Hunter’s Valley.
We travelled out of Sydney to the northwest on National Highway 1, along the
way we were just blown away by the views of the Australian countryside. The
scenes were as varied as we have ever seen, absolutely breathtaking and all
within two hours of Sydney.
Seasons Hotel via Rover Coach to Hunter’s Valley.
We travelled out of Sydney to the northwest on National Highway 1, along the
way we were just blown away by the views of the Australian countryside. The
scenes were as varied as we have ever seen, absolutely breathtaking and all
within two hours of Sydney.
| On the coach heading for Hunter's Valley and the McWilliam's Mount Pleasant Winery. |
| Scenery along the route to Hunter's Valley (approx. 2 hours NW of Sydney |
We arrived at the Crowne Plaza in Hunter’s Valley and were met
by Scott McWilliams, a sixth generation McWilliams winemaker
and our host for the day.
Since 1877, when Samuel McWilliam planted his first vines at
Corowa in New South Wales, successive generations of the
McWilliam family have been pioneering the art of fine
winemaking in Australia. McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Estate –
nestled in the slopes of the Brokenback Range in NSW’s lower
Hunter Valley – was established in 1921 by legendary
winemaker, the late Maurice O’Shea.
To say that we were given a VIP tour is an understatement.
Scott McWilliam personally led us through all of their Mt.
Pleasant vineyards, winery operations, entertained us with our
own private tasting tour, provided a wonderful lunch and with
the help of Andrew Atkins, toured the local countryside for
more opportunities to take pictures of the breathtaking Aussie
views.
by Scott McWilliams, a sixth generation McWilliams winemaker
and our host for the day.
Since 1877, when Samuel McWilliam planted his first vines at
Corowa in New South Wales, successive generations of the
McWilliam family have been pioneering the art of fine
winemaking in Australia. McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Estate –
nestled in the slopes of the Brokenback Range in NSW’s lower
Hunter Valley – was established in 1921 by legendary
winemaker, the late Maurice O’Shea.
To say that we were given a VIP tour is an understatement.
Scott McWilliam personally led us through all of their Mt.
Pleasant vineyards, winery operations, entertained us with our
own private tasting tour, provided a wonderful lunch and with
the help of Andrew Atkins, toured the local countryside for
more opportunities to take pictures of the breathtaking Aussie
views.
Nisha, Kevin, and Scott McWilliam
| Scott giving us a personal tour of his families vineyards and Mount Pleasant properties. |
(Double-Click to Enlarge)
| The first vineyard we toured was Lovedale and as we learned the Hunter Valley is widely regarded as the home of Semillon, and McWilliam’s as the producer of Australia’s best wines from the variety. We are sure Scott has fielded the same battery of questions in his profession as winemaker, but he genuinely made us feel welcome and was a perfect host on a very perfect Australian day. Our next stop was at a vineyard that produces one of our favorite varieties, Shiraz grapes. Being able to pick the grapes off the vine and taste the fruit was an exceptional experience. |
| Of all the vineyards owned by the McWilliams, the still productive “Maurice O’Shea” was the most astounding. The super-premium Maurice O’ Shea Shiraz is made exclusively from 120-year- old vines grown on Mount Pleasant’s Old Hill Vineyard. This revered vineyard was established in the 1880s by the King family, and was purchased by O’Shea in 1921. To put it simply, it was an amazing experience to stand with this living history! |
(left) Maurice O'Shea Vineyard (right) 120 year old grapevines Kevin & Nisha surrounded by
Australian wine history
Australian wine history
| From the vineyards we proceeded to tour the winery where Scott guided us through the entire process of making wine, from cradle to cork, so to speak. Some would think that a winery tour is all about the wine, but we think it revolves around the experience, and this one…will never be topped! |
McWilliam's VIP Tour
Mount Pleasant Winery, Hunter's Valley NSW
Mount Pleasant Winery, Hunter's Valley NSW
| Next on the agenda was our own private tasting tour with none other than McWilliam's winemaker Scott McWilliam. He personally explained each nuance of the winemaking process as it reflects in the individual tastes of each wine. If only they had a class like this in college! |
Complete with Australian wine
geography lesson!
geography lesson!
| We sampled all of their award winning Semillon, Shiraz, and Cabernet wines. Our favorite was the "Maurice O'Shea" which is not available in the U.S. but Scott made sure we had our own stock to bring home! |
Gifts courtesy of Scott
and McWilliam's Winery.
and McWilliam's Winery.
| After our wine tasting exhibition, we were treated to a true delight, a lunch paired with all of our favorite wines. Kangaroo Spring Rolls/Lilleydale Pinot Noir, Lamb Kafka/Mt. Pleasant Phillip Shiraz, Sliced Beef, Corriander and Crisp Noodle Salad/Barwang Shiraz, Cloth Matured Cheddar with Marpeth Sourdough bread/Maurice O’Shea Shiraz. |
| At this point we bid Scott adieu and as I mentioned at the beginning, we were toured around after lunch by Andrew Atkins who provided us with views that only pictures can describe: We were even treated to tour the property of Chief winemaker, Phillip Ryan, the father-in-law of Andrew. And you might have guessed, he has a vineyard in his back yard. We couldn’t believe that we had spent an entire day at the winery and that the time had come to return to Sydney. As we left, we were given very thoughtful gifts courtesy of McWilliams. We would like to personally thank them for their kindness, time and personal attention given us by Scott, Andrew and the entire staff at Mt. Pleasant. If we had to leave tomorrow, we feel that our trip has already exceeded our expectations |
Phillip Ryan's backyard (Chief Winemaker) Andrew & Kevin Nisha & Andrew Atkins
Unbelievable views from Mount Pleasant...Enjoy
On the day of our arrival in Sydney it was time to venture out to
The Rocks for dinner. Being avid seafood fans, we recognized
ROCKPOOL immediately as it was listed in The Rocks guide as being
an award-winning restaurant. I have since found that it is also UK’s
‘Restaurant’ magazines “Top 50 Restaurants in the World” listed at
#30 and climbing.
Ratings and accolades aside, we were just famished from the long
flight from the U.S. and ROCKPOOL was a sure bet for fresh fish. I
wasn’t really expecting to dine in such luxury and failed to call
aheard for reservations. That was not a problem as we were seated
right away by “the man at the host stand”.
Little did we know that the “he” was Neil Perry and is regarded as
Australia’s leading and most influential chefs (we are talking Paula
Dean/Wolfgang Puck/Rachel Ray…folks). That fact became apparent to
us when we mentioned our meeting Neil Perry to Scott McWilliam,
sixth generation winemaker of the world renowed McWilliam’s winery.
His reaction was a mixture of wow and humor, which I guess was
prompted by our being obviously oblivious to our “brush with
celebrity” as we sounded more interested in our appetite than the
meeting of such a renowned international celebrity. We received the
same reaction from Neil Roberts of The Tennis Channel as we retold
the story to him during lunch at the Crown Towers in Melbourne.
As we were eating our meal at Rockpool, I mentioned to our hostess
that we had won a trip here via The Tennis Channel and were keeping
a travel blog complete with photos. I asked her who the man was that
seated us and if he minded standing in a picture to document our
dinner for our blog. She told us it was the owner and would relay
our request as soon as possible. Within a few minutes, Neil
returned to our table and said that he would be very happy to have
a picture with us and would be available when we completed our meal.
The night couldn’t have been better, a great meal with wonderful
atmosphere and a meeting with Neil Perry. I guess if he is good
enough to be one of Martha Stewart’s favorites..he was good enough
for The Coker’s from Brenham, Texas. Just another wonderful
experience resulting from our winning The Tennis Channel’s
sweepstakes (www.thetennischannel.com).
The Rocks for dinner. Being avid seafood fans, we recognized
ROCKPOOL immediately as it was listed in The Rocks guide as being
an award-winning restaurant. I have since found that it is also UK’s
‘Restaurant’ magazines “Top 50 Restaurants in the World” listed at
#30 and climbing.
Ratings and accolades aside, we were just famished from the long
flight from the U.S. and ROCKPOOL was a sure bet for fresh fish. I
wasn’t really expecting to dine in such luxury and failed to call
aheard for reservations. That was not a problem as we were seated
right away by “the man at the host stand”.
Little did we know that the “he” was Neil Perry and is regarded as
Australia’s leading and most influential chefs (we are talking Paula
Dean/Wolfgang Puck/Rachel Ray…folks). That fact became apparent to
us when we mentioned our meeting Neil Perry to Scott McWilliam,
sixth generation winemaker of the world renowed McWilliam’s winery.
His reaction was a mixture of wow and humor, which I guess was
prompted by our being obviously oblivious to our “brush with
celebrity” as we sounded more interested in our appetite than the
meeting of such a renowned international celebrity. We received the
same reaction from Neil Roberts of The Tennis Channel as we retold
the story to him during lunch at the Crown Towers in Melbourne.
As we were eating our meal at Rockpool, I mentioned to our hostess
that we had won a trip here via The Tennis Channel and were keeping
a travel blog complete with photos. I asked her who the man was that
seated us and if he minded standing in a picture to document our
dinner for our blog. She told us it was the owner and would relay
our request as soon as possible. Within a few minutes, Neil
returned to our table and said that he would be very happy to have
a picture with us and would be available when we completed our meal.
The night couldn’t have been better, a great meal with wonderful
atmosphere and a meeting with Neil Perry. I guess if he is good
enough to be one of Martha Stewart’s favorites..he was good enough
for The Coker’s from Brenham, Texas. Just another wonderful
experience resulting from our winning The Tennis Channel’s
sweepstakes (www.thetennischannel.com).
| Neil Perry with the world famous Coker's |
"Bubble & Squeak" from The Rocks Cafe
Additional photos from Sydney
| Australian Open & Melbourne Pg.2 |
