Renowned Chilean Winemaker visits Belfast for Exclusive
Concha Y Toro Don Melchor Wine Dinner

Northern Ireland sommeliers, bar owners and restaurateurs were given a true taste of Chile at a special event hosted by NI drinks company, Dillon Bass this week.

At the exclusive event hosted by Dillon Bass at Berts Jazz Bar, leading local wine connoisseurs were given the opportunity to experience first-hand the world class portfolio of wines from Concha Y Toro – the largest wine producer in Latin America.

Guided through an award-winning selection of vintages of Concha Y Toro’s highly acclaimed ultra-premium icon wine, Don Melchor by renowned winemaker, Enrique Tirado, guests also enjoyed elegant cuisine prepared by chef, Michael Weber from Bert’s Bar at The Merchant Hotel, created especially for the occasion.

Concha Y Toro’s acclaimed Don Melchor cabernet sauvignon is one of the world’s most celebrated and awarded wines and was recently named as the only Chilean wine amongst the world’s top 10 wines, according to prestigious magazine, Wine Spectator.

Don Melchor’s outstanding quality comes from the Puente Alto Vineyard, one of the historic vineyards that gave rise to Chile’s long wine tradition. It is located in the Alto Maipo Valley, at the foot of the Andes Mountains.

One of the vineyard’s most important characteristics is that it planted on the Maipo River’s oldest agricultural alluvial terrace, where the soil content is high in minerals, clay, gravel and rounded stones due to the erosion of the glaciers that advanced from the mountains to the valley, dragging material that was later deposited on the terraces and ultimately granting a unique character to Don Melchor.

Speaking to guests at the event, Enrique Tirado said: “Don Melchor’s style, complexity and elegance come from the perfect balance of the rocky soils in Puente Alto, the cold winds from the Andes Mountains, the generous climate of the Alto Maipo Valley, and the thirty years that the vines have taken to produce their finest grapes.”

Liam McBride, sales manager, Dillon Bass added: “We are proud to provide this unique opportunity for leading sommeliers, bar owners and restaurateurs to meet one of the world’s leading winemakers. The Dillon Bass fine wine portfolio has experienced significant growth in recent years and we are increasingly seeing a demand from the hospitality industry for premium choices. Concha Y Toro’s award-winning Don Melchor is the Holy Grail of Chilean wines, with a cult following around the world. We’re honoured to be the exclusive distributor of this wine in Northern Ireland.”

Concha Y Toro Don Melchor wine is distributed by Dillon Bass in Northern Ireland.  For further information on Dillon Bass’ premium wine portfolio and stockists of Don Melchor, contact Liam McBride at Dillon Bass on 028 9038 2233.

Bring along your youngest scientists for W5’s Little Sparks ‘Music and Rhythm’ toddler session on Wednesday 7 October!

Visit our under 8s area, the town of Discovery, and take part in a 25 minute Music and Rhythm workshop as part of your visit. Children are born natural scientists so why not bring them to W5 to let them imagine, explore, play and have fun? The town of Discovery is a place where children can learn about themselves and the world around them. Get hands-on with its interactive exhibits, play animal sounds in the farmyard, paddle in a virtual rock pool at the beach or flick through digital storybooks in the castle.

The 25 minute workshop aims to inspire your budding Beethoven’s to shake, rattle and roll their way through our musical extravaganza. Let the Little Sparks discover sound and rhythm through games, play and noisy fun!

Little Sparks toddler sessions will be held one morning a month in W5. Your special Little Sparks ticket allows you entry into W5 from 10 am – 11:30am and sessions are aimed at children aged between 18 months and 4 years. Each session will be themed and will include a 25 minute workshop at 11am with one of W5’s education team. Places are limited and must be pre booked by calling 028 90467790 or 02890467793.

Costs:

• Children 4 and under: FREE
• Adults: £5.50
• Additional (non-participating) children over 4: £4.50

For further information and to view all upcoming Little Sparks workshops, visit: http://bit.ly/1LQ7M6v.

There are some decidedly ghostly goings-on at W5 this October…

Are you and your family brave enough to investigate the creepy mansion known as Monster Manor?

If the rumours surrounding this old place are true you will encounter singing pumpkins, dancing skeletons, floating ghosts, paintings which transform before your very eyes and all manner of mysterious monsters!

It’s really spooky, a little bit scary and a whole lot of fun. So this October why not bring your family along and discover the secrets of Monster Manor for yourselves? We dare you!

With over 250 interactive exhibits including the ALL NEW technological marvel that is ‘RoboThespian’, W5’s BIGGEST EVER exhibit ‘Climbit’, ‘Discovery‘ a special exhibition area for the under eights, autumn events and science demonstration shows throughout the day, a trip to W5 is really a fantastic day out! And don’t forget all special events are FREE with your admission!

Monster Manor is open Saturdays and Sundays from 3 Oct – 25 Oct and daily from Monday 26 – Sunday 1 Nov. For further information and opening times please visit www.w5online.co.uk.

Northern Ireland has a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for the perfect short break and Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• One Great Autumn Night, Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, Bangor. From £69.50pps. We have put together all the ingredients for one great night! Complimentary hot port on arrival, upgrade to an executive room (subject to availability) dinner in the fashionable Coq and Bull Brasserie, followed by a wonderful nights’ sleep and an expertly prepared breakfast in the morning. Available until Dec 13.  To book call (028) 9185 2500. Please quote promo code: Autumn Leaves, when booking.

• Rest and Relax, Marine Hotel Ballycastle, Ballycastle. From £89pps. Enjoy 2 Nights Bed and full Breakfast throughout September and October plus a delicious 4 course evening meal served in Marconi’s Bistro. Marconi’s Bar also has Free Entertainment on throughout the weekend.  Free WIFI and Free Parking. £89pps Mid-week (Sun-Thurs) and £109pps Weekend (Fri & Sat).  Available until Oct 31. To book call (028) 2076 2222.

• Date Night, Best Western plus White Horse Hotel, Londonderry~Derry. From £60pps. One Night’s Bed and Breakfast with a romantic 4 course evening meal in 68 Clooney Restaurant. Also included is a nibble plate and bottle of sparkling wine on arrival with breakfast in bed the following morning.  Available until Sep 30.  To book call (028) 7186 0606.

Teachers, join W5 for a FREE family day at W5 (2 adults and 2 children)* on Saturday 3rd October 2015!

Come along and see what W5 can offer your school. Discover our extensive programme of workshops and events, view resources, meet the staff and join one of our teacher focus groups to ensure W5’s education programme is meeting the needs of your pupils

To book your place on the education open day please contact educationqueries@w5online.co.uk with the following details:

Name:

School:

School Address:

Type of school (e.g. primary/post-primary):

Subject taught (post-primary/FE only):

Contact telephone number:

*Terms and conditions:

Family pass may only be used on Sat 3rd October 2015

Tickets are non-transferable

Teachers are required to attend one 20minute information session

Passes are limited to two per school.

Discover more about the history and nature of Crawfordsburn and Helen’s Bay thanks to a new publication launched by Ards and North Down Borough Council.

The Walking and Cultural Trail take the user through the two picturesque villages on a journey that covers natural landscapes, architectural structures, Christian Heritage and war time history.

Starting at the recently upgraded Crawfordsburn Glen and Old Mill Dam you are led past the Old Inn, where visitors have included highwayman Dick Turpin, Russian Czar Peter the Great and C.S. Lewis, and on into Crawfordsburn Country Park. Travelling through the Park and on to Helen’s Bay you will visit sites including the unique Grey Point Fort, a hidden gem that includes a military museum, radio room and two magnificent 23 feet artillery guns. You return to Crawfordsburn Country Park via the stunning North Down Coastal Path to discover the geological developments of the area in the geology garden and find out all about the Park’s wildlife in the popular visitors centre.

Discussing the trail, Alex Irvine, Tourism Development Officer for Ards and North Down Borough Council said, “Whether you’re a local or a visitor to the area we can all now get some fresh air and exercise whilst learning something new about these two villages. The area not only has some of the most stunning natural scenery but also boasts a unique and fascinating history from visiting highway men to the Second World War”.

Copies of the trail can be picked up at local information points including Bangor Visitor Information Centre, Crawfordsburn Country Park and Grey Point Fort, or downloaded from visitardsandnorthdown.com.

You don’t need to go to infinity and beyond for a great cinema experience because Friday 9 October at 7pm in Banbridge will be just the ticket when Woody and Buzz take to the silver screen with a fantastic free outdoor showing of the family favourite, Toy Story.

Toy Story is the tale about a boy named Andy who loves playing with his toys and especially his favourite cowboy doll, Woody but what Andy doesn’t know is that when he leaves the room the toys come to life.  Woody is very much the leader of the pack however when Andy receives Buzz Lightyear, a spaceman action figure, as a birthday present Woody sees his position as Andy’s favourite toy jeopardised.
A jealous Woody comes up with a plan to get rid of Buzz but in true Disney fashion things don’t go according to plan. Woody and Buzz end up lost and after a series of madcap mishaps both toys end up in the hands of Andy’s cruel neighbour Sid Phillips who is determined to make sure they never return to their rightful owner.  Will Woody get back to his beloved Andy? Will Buzz make his rendezvous with star command? Will Slinky Dog get back into shape and has Mr Potato Head had his chips?

To add to the cinema experience local food outlet Captain Cooks will be offering a host of hot and tasty treats throughout the event.  Other refreshments available include pop-corn, sweets, soft drinks, tea and coffee.  So pack a comfy cushion and a snuggly blanket and settle down to enjoy a free movie night under the stars at Solitude Park.

For further information contact Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council on 028 4066 0609, go to the council website at www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk or connect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/armaghbanbridgecraigavon

To celebrate BabyDay on Sunday 27 September, W5 are running a series of Little Sparks Science Workshops!

Date: Sunday, 27 September 2015

Times: 1pm, 2.30pm & 4pm (30 minute workshops)

Cost: Free with admission to W5 (under 3’s get in free!)

Bring along your youngest scientists for W5’s toddler sessions!

Children are born scientists, so why not bring them to W5 to let them imagine, play and have fun?  Explore what W5 has to offer with our Little Sparks taster workshops where your mini-scientist can discover how caterpillars creep and crawl or what bubbles and rainbows have in common!

Ideal for children aged 1-4 years old (but older siblings are encouraged to participate!).

To book your place, please email bookings@w5online.co.uk

Little Wing Pizzeria is encouraging local children’s clubs to grab a slice of the action by applying for the Little Wing’s Little Stars bursary scheme, which will see £3,000 up for grabs.

Following on from the success of last year’s scheme, this year the bursaries are returning bigger and better and will be open to all Under-12’s kid’s clubs, from sports to art, music to dance.
To be eligible, clubs must be located within a 10 mile radius of the Little Wing restaurant to which they apply. Branches are located in Enniskillen, Holywood, Bangor, Ballyhackamore, Ann Street, Belfast and Lisburn Road, Belfast, with each restaurant offering £500 to the successful local applicant.
Commenting on the club bursaries, Luke Wolsey, Managing Director of Little Wing Pizzeria said: “Little Wing has six highly successful branches in Northern Ireland and we are always looking for opportunities to give back to the community by supporting local schools, clubs and charities- the Little Wing’s Little Stars bursaries are an extension of this support.

“Throughout the year we get a lot of requests from children’s clubs to help them with sponsorship so we decided to launch this programme to give all local clubs an equal chance of being granted additional funding.

“I would encourage all clubs that are interested to apply for a bursary which can be put towards anything the club needs financial assistance with such as new kits, equipment or even to go towards the general costs of running the club.”

Last year’s winners were Bangor Rugby Club, City of Belfast Swimming Club, Junior Belfast Giants, Holywood Rugby Football Club and Ormeau Table Tennis Club, who all benefitted from a £500 bursary for their club.

Keith Knox , head coach at Ormeau Table Tennis club said:

“The Little Wing Little Stars bursary scheme has helped us massively: we purchased sporting equipment for the club, brought in more high quality coaching for the children and also boosted our online presence. As a result of this, we saw our number of players representing us at Ulster level rise from 8 to over 12.”

“We were very happy with the scheme and would recommend that other children’s clubs apply for it – the bursary can make all the difference.”

To apply for the bursary scheme, children’s clubs simply need to write a 300 word explanation of why they need the bursary and what it will be used for and email it to bursaries@littlewingpizzeria.co.uk stating their closest Little Wing restaurant before the closing date of Monday October 26.

Little Wing is part of the Beannchor Group, Ireland’s largest hospitality group, which boasts a portfolio of over 50 pubs, hotels and restaurants across Northern Ireland.

For further information visit littlewingpizzeria.com