21 March 2024
Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru has unveiled a refreshed wine list across each of its 14 dining and lounge options for 2024, featuring new Indigenous-led vineyards and a range of sustainable wines.
Munda Wines and Mt Yengo join Indigenous-owned companies Jarrah Boy, Beachtree Distilling Company and Yaru Water on the beverage menus at the desert resort; including at premium dining options Ilkari Restaurant at Sails in the Desert, as well as Arnguli and Mangata at Desert Gardens Hotel.
Munda Wines grows its varieties on Indigenous Countries including Kaurna Country (McLaren Vale), Ngadjuri and Peramangk Country (Barossa Valley), and Walgalu Country (Tumbarumba, NSW). The word 'munda' means land in the Wirangu and Kokatha language and is akin to terroir - the company focuses on varieties that are ideally suited to each munda.
Mt Yengo is Indigenous-led, sourcing wines from across Australia; particularly Peramangk Country. It gives a portion of its profits to Indigenous artists who design its wine labels and donates to NICI, the National Indigenous Culinary Institute, to assist young Indigenous chefs.
Indigenous wines now on offer at Ayers Rock Resort include:
- Munda Walgalu Country Chardonnay - Precise and textured with a pure mineral backbone from its basalt origins, aromas of light white stone fruit and white flowers, citrus, beeswax, toasted muesli and nuts.
- Munda Kaurna Country Syrah - From the sandy soils of prized cooler Blewitt Springs sub-region, perfumed notes of blue violets, preserved blueberries, dark cherry, floral and spice notes, balanced by vibrant acidity and fine tannins.
- Mt Yengo Adelaide Hills Shiraz - A deep crimson inky red, with hints of mint and red berries.
- Mt Yengo Sparkling, Riverina - A rich, complex fruit character and a creamy mouth feel.
Ayers Rock Resort - operated by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia and located in the spiritual heart of Australia - has also expanded its biodynamic, vegan and organic wine offerings across its range of dining experiences, with the likes of Dalrymple Pinot Noir, from a sustainable venture in Tasmania, and the biodynamic, organic Yangarra Shiraz from Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale.
"From earthy Australian wines to signature cocktails infused with native ingredients, our refreshed menu advances our commitment to offering authentic cultural experiences and supporting Indigenous and sustainable operators," says Matt Cameron-Smith, CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia.
"Our dedicated team has scoured the country for the best quality and freshest new flavours because we know just how important food and wine is for today's traveller. We're thrilled to have Munda and Mt Yengo's quality wines onboard," he concluded.
Pauly Vandenbergh and Damien Smith, co-owners of Munda Wines, say "Munda Wines focuses on fine wines from selected First Nations Countries. We are sharing stories one glass at a time from the world's oldest living culture. Nowhere is this more prevalent than the heart of Australia on Anangu Country at Uluru, where we are proud to share our stories with the guests of Voyages, and we thank the community for their support.
"We are so delighted to partner with Voyages to share this captivating fusion of culture and wine," says renowned artist and co-owner of Mt Yengo, Wayne Quilliam. "Our wines are not just beverages; they encapsulate the essence of our stories, traditions, and deep-rooted connection to this land."
Ayers Rock Resort is renowned for its six different accommodation options - ranging from camping to a luxury hotel - and 14 dining options offering Indigenous and native gourmet fare. They include Tali Wiru, which sees each course paired with premium wines; and Wintjiri Wiru, a world-first, world-class cultural storytelling and drone experience enjoyed alongside Penfolds wine and gin cocktails from Indigenous-owned Beachtree.
For more information, visit your local travel agent, ayersrockresort.com.au, or phone 1300 134 044.
