River Life

River life

There is something so satisfying about cruising down the Murray river in a boat with a group of mates. With the river at our feet why would you not take up the opportunity. The Riverland’s best asset is most definitely the Murray River. It’s the veins to the community pumping life to each town. We are 200km away from the nearest beach and that doesn’t bother me. I would take the river life over the beach any day.

The SA Wakeboard competition at the Cellar Door a few weeks back was fantastic to watch. It just goes to show the awesome talent and dedication of some of the kids and their love of the river. Some looked like they were behind a ski rope before they could walk. Just incredible.

The excitement of getting up on a wakeboard for the first time is thrilling and so worth the week long recovery of achy muscles and joints. However, some vitamin D sunshine, a couple of cold brews and a good laugh at someone’s cracker face plant makes up the best medicine. Somehow you find yourself doing it all again the following week.

It’s the laid back, fun loving lifestyle many people wish they had and one that many of us take for granted. It’s so easy to lose track of time while cruising on the water. Next thing you know, the sun is sitting behind the cliff, everyone is getting a bit hungry and your sunburn is looking like the colour of Elmo.

I know the river isn’t for everyone. I have a friend that would prefer to keep both feet on land. Hey, and that’s ok.. Whatever floats your boat. The best part about the river is that you don’t need to own a boat to enjoy the river’s pleasures. Just a chair, a handful of worms and a line. The river lifestyle comes in all forms. It is so tranquil and aesthetic and also dynamic and adventurous.

What do you love most about the Murray River?

Supporting Local this Christmas

With only days left till Christmas, your Christmas shopping should almost be “wrapped up”.

The Riverland has so many amazing products, services and destinations, you would be silly to not take advantage of it. I made it my mission this year to buy all my Christmas presents locally this year and I tell you.. It wasn’t hard to do. The best part.. I never had to wait in crazy long lines to get service.

If you have some last minute presents to take care of.. here are a few ideas to help you out.

Illalangi on the Sturt Highway in Waikerie is full (literally) of gift platters in all price ranges. Not only is there a huge range of local produce, with relishes to jams, there are also beautiful scented candles, locally roasted coffee beans and the best Raw Rum Balls.

Evolve on Terrace in Loxton has a huge range of kitchen, homewares and gifts. They have a corner filled with gorgeous baby and toddler items and plenty of home decor that any modern mum would love. While you’re there, check out the brand new cafe they recently opened.

Nuts about Fruit. The best place to go for that hard to buy person. You can never go wrong with a basket full of Riverland dried fruit, roasted almonds and chocolate covered raisins – unless they have a nut allergy.

Top Catch Tackle and Bait has the river rats sorted. They have everything from fishing gear to watersports equipment. They have the best range of fishing rods, lures and stock kayaks and paddleboards. They will endeavour to get what you need if they don’t have it in the shop.

Take a drive out to Wilkadene Brewery past Renmark. This brewery set on the river brews their own craft beers on site. Take the chance to taste some and then grab a 6 pack of craft beers for dad. Winning.

Bella Lavender Estate in Berri has wonderful soaps, body and bath products and oils made from their lavender farm for those that appreciate beautiful scented goodies.

The list is endless. My point is to really make a solid effort (if not for Christmas, make it a new year resolution for 2016) to support Riverland businesses first. What goes around comes around.

Weekend Weather Forecast

Sunshine is in store for the jolly Christmas period. Christmas Day is predicted to be a warm 38 degree day with possible showers in the afternoon, clearing on Saturday. Temperatures will rise steadily throughout the week with the cool change coming in on Boxing Day. Some northerly winds up to 20km/h are expected to sweep through on Christmas Day.

The pollen count is high- extreme at the moment. Take precautions to keep on top of allergies and asthma reactions.

Cocktail Recipes

This hot weather needs a Sangria Breeze to cool down with. This is one of our favourites because it’s just so delicious. No shaking, no blending, no mess! Just the taste of pure seductive goodness. It’s the perfect summer drink and one we know your mates will love. Bring this out and the party will come to you.

Christmas Trading

Thursday 24th – Closed

Friday 25th- Closed

Saturday 26th -Open

Sunday 27th- Open

Monday 28th- Open

Tuesday 29th- Open

Wednesday 30th- Open

Thursday 31st- Closed

Friday 1st- Open

Trick will be entertaining the crowd on Boxing Day with his upbeat acoustic sound all afternoon while you get to sit and enjoy a delicious icy cold jug of Sangria. No need to book, bring a picnic rug and throw in a couple of chairs to enjoy a cruisy afternoon by the river with the family.

We are welcoming the New Year at the Cellar Door on Friday the 1st with “The Machines” and Pete’s gorgeous gourmet pizzas from noon. The pizzas will sit a treat after a big New Year’s Eve so your tummies will appreciate the good feed.

Share your Riverland Summer

The ‘Share Your Riverland Summer’ summer competition has begun! Simply upload a photo or video that shows what summer in the Riverland means to you via Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Tag the video or photo using #myriverland and you could win a GoPro Camera.

The winning image will also feature on the front page of the Riverland Experiences magazine in 2017. You have until February 14th to get your photos on social media with the hashtag to be in the running. Winners will be announced on the 29th of February.

Head to www.destinationriverland.org.au for more information on the competition or ask the staff at the Cellar Door.

Here’s a few of our favourite recent instagram pics. #caudovineyard #sangrialife

They look fantastic. Thank you for sharing your Caudo Vineyard experience. Keep snapping.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Warmest wishes for the holiday season from the family and staff at Caudo Vineyard. We thank you for your business and patronage in 2015. Safe driving on the busy roads over Christmas and New Year. 2016 is going to be a fantastic year for growth and development in the Riverland. We are enthusiastic for the future at Caudo Vineyard and bringing it to the next level. We have exciting plans to announce very soon. Watch this space.

The weekly blog will be returning in the New Year. Have a very merry Christmas. We hope to see you soon!!

Signing off,

The Caudo Vineyard team