Meandering through Italy’s heritage vineyards looks to be off the cards for 2020, but it doesn’t mean Australians can’t substitute their annual European summer holiday for something just as luxurious and rejuvenating closer to home.
Committed to being exceptional story-makers rather than ordinary storytellers, Flare Creative has curated an exclusive ‘money can’t buy’ experience for an intimate group of guests right in Australia’s backyard.
Set among the picturesque rolling green hills of Adelaide, the lavish OneLux weekend will be hosted by cricket legend Glenn McGrath and offers an abundance of rare opportunities, like touring the iconic R.M.Williams factory and being chauffeured by private helicopter to some of the region’s finest wineries.
“Guests will be exploring elements they cannot find by themselves and ultimately creating a series of ‘goosebumps’ moments that continues to take their breath away.” – Andrew Shand
Flare Creative’s Managing Director Andrew Shand tells The CEO Magazine how the indulgent event delves beyond the surface of standard opportunities and into a space of deeper meaning through connecting guests with the country’s leading curators.
“This luxury experience opens doors that most people were not even aware existed, giving access to Australia’s most influential winemakers, chefs and luxury providers,” Andrew explains. “No matter how much money a person may have, these experiences are not available to them – meeting industry pioneers, artisan geniuses and like-minded people.
“Together, guests will be exploring elements they cannot find by themselves and ultimately creating a series of ‘goosebumps’ moments that continues to take their breath away.”
Upon arriving in Adelaide, guests will be privately escorted to meet Glenn McGrath, who is the Co-Founder and President of the McGrath Foundation and a board member of R.M.Williams, before exclusively touring the iconic R.M.Williams leather goods factory. Topping off the incredible excursion, guests will receive their own personally crafted pair of boots.
“The future of luxury is all about creating these connections in a real way.” – Andrew Shand
The evening will be spent at Sequoia Lodge, a five-star luxury retreat that guests will call home for the weekend. In terms of food, expect nothing less than extraordinary with a degustation dinner prepared by Head Chef Jin Choi at the three-hatted Hardy’s Verandah.
It won’t be easy being separated from the comfort of the newly opened sanctuary in the morning, but so worth the reward. Day two sees guests experiencing the thrill of driving luxury sports cars before buckling up for a private helicopter tour of the region’s most famed winemakers.
A world of wine will open before the group’s eyes with a bespoke tour of Kilikanoon Wines and Grosset Wines led by Kilikanoon’s Chief Winemaker Peter Warr.
Enjoy a bespoke private tour of Kilikanoon and Grosset Wineries and indulge in a locally sourced, biodynamic lunch, before embarking on an intimate tasting journey of Penfolds’ most awarded wines.
Through the Penfolds Magill Estate cellar doors, guests will be regaled with entrancing stories that date back to 1844 as the group explores the original home of Dr Christopher and Mary Penfold, uncovering underground drives and hidden gems.
After a six-course degustation dinner at Magill Estate Restaurant, private cars will transport the group back to the luxury retreat. Awaiting in the suites will be a collection of the guest’s daily photography, ready for their private usage (or social media account). It’s these small, personal details that really set Flare Creative experiences apart.
“We have learned over the years that the finer details make all the difference – from freshly picked lavender from the cottage garden on their pillows, and the privacy afforded throughout the experience, through to intimately knowing every preference our guests may have and ensuring our team exceeds every expectation,” Andrew shares. “This event is really an experience that reaches beyond the facade.”
This philosophy truly shines on the final day of the OneLux weekend. Award-winning winery St Hugo will be closed to the public, allowing the group to go behind the scenes of one of Australia’s most prestigious vineyards.
The experience will be personally hosted by Chief Winemaker Peter Munro as he shares his winemaking methods that have shaped the Barossa winery. St Hugo’s award-winning Chef Mark McNamara, has created a unique degustation lunch menu to complement a back vintage of wines that are not available anywhere else on earth; including access to one of Australia’s most rare and envied wines – an extremely scarce 1925 Tawny from the private reserve.
“From the moment our guests arrive in Adelaide, every detail, sensation and experience is designed to be a moment that takes their breath away,” Andrew told The CEO Magazine. “There truly has never been an experience available of this calibre.”
Covering the esteemed wine tastings and tours across the Barossa and Clare valleys, exceptional culinary experiences, private helicopters, a luxury car drive through Piccadilly to Mount George ending at Hahndorf, the all-inclusive affair is designed to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The only thing for you to do is make your way to Adelaide.
“Anyone can walk into a Tesla dealership, but we are the team that will have you enjoying lunch with Elon Musk,” Andrew says. “The future of luxury is all about creating these connections in a real way.”
If you would like to experience the OneLux weekend by Flare Creative, which is scheduled for late 2020, express your interest online. Spots are strictly limited.
