Lara's blog

Bonfire is going ahead

By Lara Bray on September 28, 2025 10:23 AM | 0 Comments

Hi all

Despite the damp conditions the bonfire is going ahead! We are confident we will get it alight! Perhaps bring some clean clothes for the kids on their way home. And suitable wet weather gear in case there's still some drizzle this afternoon. If past bonfires are anything to go by, wet weather simply makes the event more memorable!

The forecast suggests the weather will clear after 2pm 🤞

Hope to see you soon!

No postage or delivery available

By Lara Bray on September 23, 2025 1:00 PM | 0 Comments

Apologies, but we are no longer able to offer delivery on wine purchases.

Thank you for your understanding.

Advance wine sales - limited Shiraz

By Lara Bray on September 18, 2025 2:14 PM | 0 Comments

Hi all

I hope you are looking forward to warmer weather and the Bonfire! 🔥

As mentioned in our previous email we have limited stocks of 2020 Shiraz (~25 cases). Since it is highly likely we will sell out of Shiraz at the Bonfire, at this stage there will be a 1 dozen cap on 2020 Shiraz per customer. There will also be the possibility to buy your wine in advance of the Bonfire with collection from the winery on the day.

Prices are as follows:

2020 Shiraz $250/doz

2020 Cabernet $195/doz (normally $225)

Payment by EFT to: Aldersyde Estate

BSB 066112

Account 10342650

Please note, there are no mixed cases on sale this year - though of course you may mix your own case - please use the mixed case pricing in the Order Form (look under Order tab) when calculating your cost. For example if you wish to purchase 6 Cabernet and 6 Shiraz your total cost would be 6 x $22 + 6 x $19 = $246

For all orders in advance, please email me a copy of your transfer receipt and the wines purchased. You may "click n collect" your wine directly from cellar door on the day, but please then move your car to longer term parking if you are staying for the afternoon.

If you are keen for more than 1 case Shiraz, please check in with us on the day in case we have stock remaining. If we sell out of 2020 Shiraz before the Bonfire, I will post a blog on our website www.aldersyde.com.au and personally contact any customers with prior (unfulfilled) orders.

We are looking forward to catching up with you!

Lara and family

Bonfire 2025

By Lara Bray on September 18, 2025 2:06 PM | 0 Comments

Date: Sunday 28 September 12-4pm

Address: 226 Aldersyde Road, Bickley

Bonfire 2025

By Lara Bray on August 3, 2025 5:08 PM | 0 Comments

Yes it's on again this year, though depending on stock, it may be the last official bonfire for Aldersyde.

Please mark Sunday 28 September in your diaries.

Emails with details have been sent. Please contact Lara if you did not receive your invite.

Thanks

Bonfire 2024 !

By Lara Bray on September 13, 2024 12:50 PM | 0 Comments

Details for this year's Bonfire on Sunday 29 September 12-4pm are similar to last year. Basically:

* mixed dozens will be discounted on the day, thank you for supporting our small family business;

* we will fire up the bbqs around midday and provide sausages, bread rolls, condiments, tea/coffee and some basic salads. Please consider bringing something to bbq or add to the table if you are coming with family so we can be sure no one misses out, we are never quite sure of numbers!

* the property is not on mains water, we recommend bringing your drink bottles;

* we will ignite the bonfire around 2pm (depending on our pyromaniacs' self control!);

* tractor rides will happen throughout the afternoon with my brothers, Mike and Pete, being our drivers. Please don't let your kids run in front of the tractor or climb in / jump out of the trailer when moving! Kids under 5 years are not permitted in the trailer without a responsible adult. Your child's safety is paramount and is your responsibility;

* there is an unfenced (fairly shallow) dam close to the bonfire. The property is also unfenced to the road. Please be aware where your kids are at all times;

* no dogs please at the event, there are many children who are not comfortable with dogs;

* please return your tasting glass to the winery at the end of the day. They are marked with the Bickley Valley logo, so easy to identify; and

* bring balls, cricket stumps etc and make use of the property! You are welcome to stroll anywhere on the farm.

See you soon!

Aldersyde Estate, 226 Aldersyde Road, Bickley.

Bonfire 2023 - Sunday 17 September, 12-4pm

By Lara Bray on August 27, 2023 1:15 PM | 0 Comments

INVITATION ONLY EVENT

Hopefully you have received our email inviting you to our annual bonfire. If you haven't, please let me know - alternately please contact me if you would like to be taken off our mailing list. Children grow up and the bonfire is probably not especially exciting for teenagers :)

Details this year are as follows:

* mixed dozens will be discounted on the day, thank you for supporting our small family business;

* we will fire up the bbqs around midday and provide sausages, bread rolls, condiments, tea/coffee and some basic salads. Please consider bringing something to bbq or add to the table if you are coming with kids so we can be sure no one misses out;

* the property is not on mains water, we recommend bringing your drink bottles;

* we will light the bonfire around 230pm depending on our pyromaniacs' self control;

* tractor rides will happen throughout the afternoon with Mike and Nebs being our drivers this year. Please make sure one responsible adult is in the trailer with the kids;

* there is an unfenced (fairly shallow) dam close to the bonfire. The property is also unfenced to the road. Please be aware where your kids are at all times, your children's safety is your responsibility;

* no dogs please at the event, there are many children who are not comfortable with dogs;

* please return your tasting glass to the winery at the end of the day. They are marked with the Bickley Valley logo, so easy to identify; and

* bring balls, cricket stumps etc and make use of the property! You are welcome to stroll anywhere on the farm.

See you soon!

Sunshine forecast for 2022 Bonfire!

By Lara Bray on September 11, 2022 8:03 PM | 0 Comments

We are in luck and sunshine is predicted for Sunday! Spring has arrived in the valley, it is a lovely time of the year to come and visit.

Details for the Bonfire this year as as follows:

Cellar door opens around midday for tastings with the BBQ starting 12-12.30pm.

Bonfire ignition is planned for 2.30-3pm and close of sales at 4pm.

Bring some meat to BBQ or something for the share table. We will provide sausages, bread rolls, salad, condiments, coffee/tea and some sweets.

There will be tractor rides for the kids. Please can you ensure that at least 1 adult hops into the trailer with each load of kids (and is the ears and eyes for the tractor driver)?

There will be bins placed around the picnic area. We know most of you do, but please remember to put your rubbish in the appropriate bins before you leave.

A reminder that the tasting glasses belong to the winery, we need them to host functions like the Bonfire Party each year. Please remember to return your tasting glass to the winery before you leave or leave them on the barrels or tables in the picnic area. They are easy to identify as they are etched with the Bickley Harvest Festival logo.

Finally, remember the property is unfenced and there is a small dam near the bonfire. Please keep a close eye on your child and know where they are especially if they are very young or not competent swimmers.

We look forward to celebrating the passing of 2021 and the start of the new season with you.

PLEASE NOTE - this is an invitation only event.

Bonfire 2022 - Sunday 18 September

By Lara Bray on July 19, 2022 8:30 PM | 0 Comments

Hi all

We have had a few inquiries about the Bonfire already this year so thought it might be useful to post some info before we finalise our mailing list.

Basically, it will be an invite only event as we do not want the Bonfire to get any bigger and struggle to contain numbers each year as it is.

Please come with your family, there is no need to RSVP, but if you are desperate to also include your friends (who also love wine!) but are not on our mailing list, please check in with us and we will do our best to accommodate you.

The date this year is Sunday 18 September 12-4pm.

Wines will be discounted on the day and since we are not open to the public anymore, it is your chance to stock up on some wine for the next year.

For those who can't make it on Sunday but are keen to take advantage of the sale, please contact Lara and we will try to find a solution.

The format will be similar, details will be emailed out closer to the date.

Hope to see you all then.

Lara and family

Winding down - no eftpos facility

By Lara Bray on January 3, 2022 7:56 PM | 0 Comments

Many of you know that our last vintage was 2021. In the end there was no decision, the business could not financially operate in the manner we needed/wanted and producing wine to a budget was never a possibility for us.

As part of the winding down process, we will only be open for wine collections (no tastings).

Cash or direct transfer are our only payment options; credit card and eftpos are no longer available.

Thank you for your understanding and support over the years.