The clever people at Australian Capital Tourism worked out that winter is a great time to visit our region and created ‘Wrapt In Winter’ to let everyone know.

We’ve joined in with our own Wrapt In Winter packages. Stay mid-week and enjoy all that’s good about winter. Your winter experience begins with a welcoming flask of Evelyn’s famous Gluhwien (mulled wine) and a plate of fresh-baked gingerbread cookies. Of course later in the evening we will be serving a glass of premium local wine and canapes in front of the fire.

Included in your package is a sumptuous continental breakfast buffet featuring fresh-baked breads, home made jams and complimentary sparkling wine AND an a la carte cooked breakfast. But wait.. you even get to keep the stainless steel flask and mugs.

Find out more by visiting our ‘Specials and Packages’ page. or book online here.

Last night, as we served canapes in the guest lounge (in front of a lovely glowing fire), Janelle and Jason ‘warned us’ that they were planning on dressing up for breakfast.

You can imagine our delight when they arrived for breakfast in their full wedding outfits – Janelle glowing and shimmering (yes, she did both!) in her lovely flowing wedding dress with train and Jason in his snappy suit.

Janelle and Jason celebrate their anniversary

They told us they have relived their wedding day on each of their 6 anniversaries. We love it. As Janelle pointed out, her dress is too beautiful not to be worn at least once a year… and she continues to look wonderful.

If you like the idea,  we welcome you to join the tradition. Brides, grooms and those reliving this happy day are part of what makes Schonegg such a special place.

We were chuffed to discover that Murrumbateman has been included in The Sunday Telegraph’s revelation of Australia’s hidden gems. (Sunday Telegraph Escape, Sunday 23 January 2011)

As one of a select list of just 8 destinations, we feel justifiably proud.

Journalist Angela Saurine says of her hidden gems  ‘We’ve all heard of Uluru, Kakadu and The Great Barrier Reef, but Australia has thousands of hidden gems that could lead to a holiday which is just as satisfying – if not more so.’

Describing Murrumbateman she says ‘The relaxed village has a strong community atmosphere with more than 20 wineries, many with cellar doors, as well as a growing number of cafes, restaurants and B&B’s’.

Here is the full list:

Murrumbateman Wine Region, NSW

Diamond Head, Crowdy Bay, NSW

Coconut Island, QLD

Aspley Gorge, TAS

Port Fairy, VIC

Southern Yorke Peninsula, SA

Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park, NT

William Bay National Park, WA

Throughout August enjoy music, fine food, great wines and a range of unique events throughout the Canberra and Capital region.

Click to view a copy of the brochure. Fireside Festival 2010 Brochure 

Click here to visit the Fireside Festival website.

We are guessing this is similar to a ’short break’, or ‘getaway’ – only shorter! Still sounds like fun though.  I guess the key to a successful mini break is to pick a destination that has a lot to offer in a short period of time – somewhere with a sense of place, somewhere unique, a destination that offers more than just a bed. Hmmm.. where can that place be?

Obviously, we think Schonegg is just perfect for almost any occasion, but clearly ideal for a mini break. Easy to get to, lots of choices for activities, plenty of pampering and a great sense of place.

Here’s a little of our mini break research…

Break Up Mini Breaks

Breaking up is hard to do, but this article explains how a mini break can ease the pain.

We’re fabulous, but don’t take our word for it!

We were delighted to discover a new Schonegg  review on Trip Advisor, arguably the word’s most trsted travel advisory website. The reason so many travellers, particularly international travellers, rely on Trip Advisor is because the reviews are submitted independantly by travellers without input from property hosts or owners. Whilst the intenet is a fantatic source of information, a lot of what you read about a property has been submitted by property owners, and may therefore be just a little subjective.

So perhaps the next time you are travelling, consider a quick look at Trip Advisor before booking your room.