Michael''s Highway Liquor Community Rewards program Reward & Loyalty

Michael''s Highway Liquor

Our StoryWe like to think of Highway Liquor as Leongatha’s favourite bottle shop! You will find a fantastic range of local wines as well as a great selection of those wines you know so well and even some that you might not! We search high and low to offer our customers the very best of all things local and you will find a fantastic selection of boutique ‘premium’ and regional wines along with craft beers, ciders and spirits.However we also realise that ‘a beer at a weekend BBQ’ is just as important – and you don’t need to pay more for that! As part of the IGA buying group, we have the buying power to provide everyday low prices and offer fantastic catalogue and instore specials.As with our local supermarket’s our focus is to deliver the best shopping experience for our customers through great service, a large range and super competitive prices.Our PeopleOur staff are very proud of their store and their commitment to always exceed our customers expectations. We pride ourselves on our friendly service and value for money along with those ‘extra’s’ you just don’t everywhere like sourcing a particular product, supporting our local community and stocking those brands you know and trust.Premium RangeOur Premium Collection Cabinet features a collection of fine wines and spirits. Many of the wines have been sourced from premium grape-growing regions recognised as having an ideal climate for a particular variety or style. Made by some of the very best winemakers, they capture distinctive regional characters and are excellent examples of their style.Premium Selection spirits include a range of single and double malt whiskey, premium and craft bourbon, rum, vodka and other selected white spirits.It’s the perfect place to find a unique gift, add to a collection or just spoil yourself.Home DeliveryOur staff not only pack your your purchase, we also carry them to your car and we even HOME DELIVER! We also offer a pick, pack and deliver service so if for some reason you can’t get to us – we will get to you! It’s all part of the service here at Michael’s Highway Liquor!To enquire about home delivery or our pick and pack service, give us a call on 03 5654 0555 or contact us using our online form.Fuel DiscountMichael’s SUPA IGA Korumburra Fuel Discount offer is available to our customers EVERY DAY!There has been a lot of publicity lately about fuel discounts. There is no doubt that every Australian family is interested in saving money. At Michael’s, we thought we would make it easier for you.Our invitation is simple:Come and shop with us any day and spend $30.00 or more.You will receive a voucher printed on your receiptPresent your voucher at Evan’s BP when paying for your fuels and receive a 4 cent per litre discount.Now, how easy is that!* Offer is limited to one petrol receipt per customer transaction for a fuel purchase of up to 150 litres per customer per day. See in store for full details and conditions of this offer.Trading HoursMichael’s Highway Liquor is open 7 Days and most public holidays. Normal trading hours are below, please check back for specific Public Holiday Trading.Normal Trading HoursOpen 7 DaysMon: 10am – 7pmTue: 10am – 7pmWed:  10am – 7pmThu: 9am – 8pmFri: 9am – 9pmSat: 9am – 9pmSun: 10am – 6pmSeniors DiscountWe believe our senior citizens deserve a few extra dollars off the price of their groceries. We owe these people a lot, they have helped make Australia what it is today.For this reason, every Wednesday is Seniors Discount Day at Michael’s Highway Liquor. Just show us your Seniors Card or Pensioner Card at the checkout to receive a 5% discount.Customers receiving the Seniors Discount are still able to take advantage of the fuel discount offer and also use their Rewards Card for even further savings.To apply for a Seniors Card, complete an online application form. www.seniorscard.com.auConditions for Seniors Discount – The discount will not be applied to cigarettes or tobacco products and phone cards/recharge.Wine GuideWine has been a treasured part of many cultures for centuries. From the cultivation of precious grape varieties to the development of sparkling and fortified wines, wine making has grown and developed alongside the craftspeople that have lovingly squashed, bottled and cellared it over the eons.Today, Australia not only imports many of the world’s finest wines, but is also one of the world’s top wine producing nations, with approximately 2500 wineries producing wine from over 150 varieties of grapes. That’s a lot of wine to choose from.For most of us, this can make a trip to the local wine shop a little more challenging, yes, but also more rewarding. A little knowledge of wine varieties can go a long way when pairing wine with food, or even help to narrow the search by choosing particular grape varieties and blends. And when you want to choose something really special, it helps to know a little something about vintages and growing regions.For the most part, it helps to start by choosing what overall type of wine you’re after – red, white or fortified wine. Each type has its own merits.White wines are often paired with fish or chicken dishes. The crisper varieties, such as a Semillon or Chenin Blanc, are also well suited to warmer weather, while a wooded Chardonnay is just as appreciated on a cold winter’s night.Red wine works wonderfully well at bringing out the flavours of red meat, particularly game meat such as kangaroo or venison. Red wines are also a wonderful accompaniment to Tapas or Antipasto.Rosé is a light, easy-drinking wine and is often varying shades of pink, this wine is best enjoyed chilled on a hot day and is the perfect accompliment to spicy foods but is equaly perfect with cultured cheese.White wines and rosé also come in sparkling varieties. While Champagne can only be called such if it’s from the Champagne region of France, Australia is also fast becoming known for its Sparkling Shiraz and other sparkling wines produced from cold climate grapes.Fortified wines include both red and white ports, sherry and sauternes – or “sticky” dessert wines. These are wines to be sipped and savoured in smaller amounts, and are well worth exploring.By taking some time to get to know the various types of wine available, and what style of wine the various grape varieties produce, you will be able to pick the right wine for just about any occasion.Australian WhitesAustralia is fast becoming one of the world’s most prolific and highly awarded wine producers in the New World wine market, and Australians’ taste for wine has most definitely caught up. With literally hundreds of grape varieties now being grown in various regions, and many more being introduced each year, the wine lover now has more choice than ever before.Knowing a little about the types of white wines available and the best regions can help narrow your next search for the perfect white.ChardonnayChardonnay is now grown in many of Australia’s wine regions, and depending on the terroir (environmental conditions in which it’s grown) and the ripeness of the grape, it can range from citrus and herbaceous notes to a deep tropical bouquet. Chardonnay is also used in the production of many sparkling wines, and is traditionally blended with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier in the production of Champagne in France.RieslingThe Riesling variety of grape, thought to originate in the Moselle and Riesling region of Germany, has been grown in Australia since the 1800s. It has been particularly successful in the Barossa region of South Australia, where German settlers first planted it in the 1850s. Riesling goes through a number of ripening stages, making it a very flexible grape for wine making. Unripe, it has a mineral and citrus nose, moving into rose petals and green apples as it approaches the ripe stage. The ripe stage of peach and honeysuckle develops into tropical fruit and lemon butter as it develops further.Sauvingnon BlancSauvignon Blanc is a grape variety that has done very well in recent years, particularly in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales, the Margaret River region in Western Australia and in some parts of Tasmania. New Zealand’s Marlborough region is well known for its Sauvignon Blanc, where the conditions for growing are ideal. As a wine, Sauvignon Blanc is often tart and dryer than a Chardonnay, but again, this depends on the stage of ripeness and the region in which it’s grown.Picked early, it has aromas of green apple and capsicum, later developing a deeper, sweeter flavour of peach, apricot and melon. Sauvignon Blanc is commonly blended with Semillon in Australia, giving it an extra touch of fig. When affected by the “botrytis” fungus, Sauvignon Blanc can be used to create a wonderful sauterne that resists being overly sweet.SemillonSemillon has always been at home in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales, which has become famous for its production of fine white wines. In more recent years, this versatile grape has made its way to the Margaret River and Barossa Valley, where its young grassy and herbaceous nose moves into a peach and fig bouquet as it ripens, finally resulting in a deep honey and apricot flavour.Pinot Grigio and Pinot GrisPinto Grigio and Pinot Gris are the exact same grape variety. Pinot Grigio originates from Italy where it is generally a crisp light-bodied white wine produced for early consumption. Pinot Gris originates from France where it is mostly grown in Alsace and is typically fuller bodied and better for cellaring.Now widely planted through many regions around the world, in Australia these varieties have been particularly successful in the cooler climates of Tasmania, the Mornington Peninsula, the Adelaide Hills and the Yarra Valley. Over the past two decades, Pinot Grigio and Pint Gris have grown popularity in Australia and are now firmly placed in our mainstream white wine market.VerdelhoThe Verdelho variety, which originated in Portugal, has found most success in Australia in the Margaret River region of Western Australia and the Hunter Valley in New South Wales. As an alternative to Chardonnay, it offers a fruity and crisp palette, pairing well with a number of foods, including spicy Asian and Spanish cuisines. Verdelhos are also used in combination with other varieties, including Chenin Blanc, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, to create crisp, dry white wines.In recent years Australia has expanded the number of grape varieties grown and some of the world’s most popular whites are now being produced to excellent standards in Australia. These include Chenin Blanc, Marsanne, White Burgundy, Boignier and Chablis.Australian RedsAustralian RedsRed wine has been making in-roads in Australia for many years, and today, there are more varieties of red wine available than ever before. Australia’s red wine makers are some of the world’s finest, and leading wine regions, such as the Barossa and Clare Valleys in South Australia, the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, the Margaret River region in Western Australia, and the Freycinet Peninsula in Tasmania, are producing wine from a growing number of grape varieties.Red wine grape varietiesRed wines are produced using the juice of black grapes, which, along with their skins and tannins, vary a great deal in terms of colour and flavour. Following is a list of some of the most popular red wine grape varieties available in Australia and where they hail from.ShirazAustralia is known the world over for both its still and sparkling Shiraz wines. The origin of this grape is thought to be Iran, but more recent genealogy has traced its origins back to France. Wherever the origin, Australian winemakers have done extremely well with this grape variety.Shiraz is well suited to the Australian climate, being able to produce large quantities of grapes on a single vine, even in low fertile soils. Shiraz is perhaps most well known for its deep plum colour and peppery flavour, but it is also a versatile grape. Left to ripen more deeply, the peppery qualities develop into notes of stewed plums and dark cherry, after which it develops even further into flavours of port, chocolate and coffee when very ripe.Cabernet SauvignonIn many parts of the world, Cabernet Sauvignon is the monarch of all grapes. It has been used in the Bordeaux area of France for centuries as a foundation for Claret wines. It is said to have first appeared in Australia at the beginning of the 1830s, when James Busby planted it along with other varieties. Today, it enjoys much success in many regions across the country, particularly in the Yarra Valley and Margaret River, where it has reached world renown.Cabernet Sauvignon has four stages of ripeness, each with their own distinctiveness. Unripe, it is herbaceous, with notes of capsicum and tea. Just before ripeness, it develops an earthy nose, with hints of truffle, pepper and mint. When ripe, it has a bouquet of blackberry, plum and cherry, and finally, when ripe it has a deep flavour of port, caraway, aniseed and coffee.Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent cellaring wine.MerlotOne of the rising stars of the Australian wine market, Merlot is part of the Cabernet family of grapes. Because it ripens a week before others in its clan, the Merlot grape has proved a good investment for many wine growers by providing a backup for other crops that may not develop high yields in certain weather conditions.In its early, unripe stage, Merlot is earthy, with notes of truffle and black olive. It develops a more distinctive berry palate as it ripens, moving into a bouquet of plum, liquorice and chocolate as it becomes very ripe. Many winemakers blend Merlot with other grape varieties in order to create their own distinctive wines.Pinot NoirPinot Noir is one of the most difficult varieties of grape to grow, and its flavour is mostly a result of its growing environment (terrior). This means it can range quite dramatically from one growing region to the next. Pinot Noir is not as heavy as other red wines, but don’t let its lighter colour fool you. When the balance between acid and tannin is just right, a Pinot Noir can be meaty and herbaceous. Keep a lookout for Pinot Noirs from the Yarra Valley and Geelong in particular, as the Victorian environment seems to have struck the right balance of temperature for this grape variety, which doesn’t like things too hot or cold. A Pinot Noir can be served both chilled and at room temperature.GrenacheGrenache was one of the most widely planted grape varieties in Australia before making way for Shiraz, but in recent years this robust and versatile grape has been making a comeback. Grenache holds its own very well, and is also a wonderful partner with other varieties. In fact, in the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale regions, where it has been planted most widely, it is often blended with Shiraz and Mourvedre to make what is fast becoming the regions’ signature ‘GSM Blend’. Like Pinot Noir, the flavour of Grenache is the product of its terrior, and the older the vine, the more complex the wine. This is one grape variety worth keeping an eye out for.Other red grape varieties to look out forGrape varieties can come and go as they slip in and out of favour. Some of the most popular reds from around the world, including Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Malbec and Zinfadel, are now either firmly established or up and coming wines in Australia.Australian SparklingThe term ‘sparkling wine’ is used to describe almost any other carbonated wine produced outside the Champagne region, and can be created using a method similar to méthode champenoise, the Charmat process or the transfer method. This last method follows méthode champenoise in that it goes through a primary fermentation process in the bottle, after which it is transferred to a large vat where it is filtered.This method also allows wine makers more control over blending, which can create a wine of greater complexity. Another method commonly used for cheaper sparkling wines involves a direct carbon dioxide injection, which is illegal in France.Many sparkling wines, as with Champagne, are created from grapes grown in cold climates. In Australia, the cold climate wines of Tasmania are becoming increasingly well known throughout the world, and Australia’s sparkling Shiraz is also fast growing in popularity.Australian FortifiedA fortified wine differs from other wines in that it is ‘fortified’ with additional alcohol during the production process. Fortified wines include Port, Marsala, Madeira and Sherry.Fortified wines have been produced in Australia for many years. In the Barossa Valley in South Australia, Grenache grapes have been used for the production of Port for many years, and today, the region is famous for both its red and white Ports.Fortified wines can be either dry or sweet, and this is the result of both the type of grape that used to produce the wine, as well as which stage of fermentation the additional alcohol is added. If the wine is allowed to develop fully before alcohol is added, usually in wooden casks, the sugars in the grapes will already have been converted to alcohol, making the wine dryer. If the alcohol is added earlier in the process, the still present sugars make for a sweeter fortified wine. Brandy, which is a distilled alcohol made from grapes, is commonly the alcohol used to fortify the wine, but other types of neutral alcohol are also used, such as those distilled from grains, sugar beets or sugar cane.HistoryFortified wines have developed in many areas across the world. For example, in 1772, English merchant John Woodhouse sought to create a cheaper alternative to Port and Sherry while living in the Sicilian port city of Marsala, which was to become the namesake of the wine. Sherry originated in Spain, taking its Anglicised name from the town of ‘Jerez’, where it was first produced.Port was first produced in the Douro Valley in northern Portugal. The second known recipe for Vermouth, another style of fortified wine perhaps best known as one of the ingredients in a Martini cocktail, was created by Antonio Benedetto Carpano in Turin, Italy. Vermouth is a fortified wine that is flavoured with aromatic herbs and spices, and while the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, some of those spices are thought to be cardamom and cinnamon.Best enjoyedMany fortified wines make an excellent after-dinner drink, and are slowly sipped in order for their deep and complex flavours to be fully appreciated.Cooking with fortified wines can bring out the flavours of many foods, both sweet and savoury. A Christmas trifle, for example, would not be the same without the inclusion of a good quality Sherry. Port can be used for stewing fruits, and is particularly good with pears when combined with spices such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and star anise, and makes an excellent jus base for red meat.Community RewardsOur Community Rewards program is designed to support local not for profit and community organisations by donating a percentage of what customers spend in-store. For more information on Community Rewards Program please read on, or click here for information on our personal rewards program.If your local School, club, charity or organisation would like to be apart of this exciting fundraising program please read the Information below or download and print our PDF if you are required to present to a committee, etc. To apply you can also download the application form, complete and drop it into the store, or apply using the online form below.Community Rewards OverviewMichael’s Supa IGA Community Rewards program will carry on the great community support that the Korumburra Supermarket has been known for over many years.Our pledge is to support community groups through every shopper scanning a new Community Rewards Key Tag, and community groups can benefit by receiving 1% of these purchases back in a cheque at the Big Cheque days held at the end of the fundraising year usually in September.Michael’s commitment to the substantial funds that this program will generate is significant in such a competitive business. Michael’s approach to this is that our customers and the community are our shareholders and therefore we have pledged a large portion of our profits to this program 365 days a year.The program makes sponsorship support fair and available for all eligible local community organisations, so in reality it has no limits.How the program worksCustomers join the Michael’s Supa IGA Community Rewards program instore by receiving a bar coded key tag that needs to be scanned at the checkout each time they shop Michael’s Supa IGA. Customers have the choice on joining, to allocate their points to a community group or collect personal rewards for those points or a combination of both.The basis for points is one point for every $1 spent plus numerous bonus points ranging from 5-50 points for specific single ticketed product purchases.Michael’s Community Fund also manage a Community Grants fund, this fund generates money through specific product purchases as well as point donations from customers wishing to share their points amongst the community apart from the groups listed to the right. These Grants are generally decided on an annual basis depending on funds available.Please click here to download a list of our Community Rewards beneficiaries to date.Community Group Nomination FormPersonal RewardsMichael’s Community Rewards Club is our very own rewards program. Instead of complicated offers or ‘travel points’ you may never redeem, our offer is simple. For every dollar you spend you will receive a point automatically allocated to your card*. You can then donate part or all of your points to one of the local community organisations we support or redeem these points to purchase items from our instore gift cabinet.You will find Rewards Cards at the checkouts, simply ask one of our friendly staff to scan and activate the card and you will start earning points immediately. To complete your membership visit our website, click the link below and within a few minutes you will be able to take full advantage of all Community Rewards benefits.Simply present the card at the checkout and you will earn a point for every dollar you spend*. You can then donate part or all of your points to one of the local community organisations we support oror redeem these points to purchase items from our instore gift cabinet. * Due to legislation no points may be earned on tobacco productsYou may choose to donate all or a percentage of your points to one of the local Community organisations we support. These points will then be converted to cash and donated to the organisation every 12 months. We will ask if you would like to support the community program when you complete your membership online, remember it’s completely your choice!Already A Member? Login Here New Card? Register NowEmployment OpportunitiesPosition Vacant – LIQUOR RETAIL ASSISTANT – CASUAL/PART TIMEWould you like to join a dynamic team and have the opportunity to grow with the company and move your career to a higher level? Michaels SUPA IGA Stores are looking to expand and require Liquor retail assistants to fill existing positions with a capacity to move into more senior roles as they become available.Reporting to: Store Manager, Assistant ManagerAvailability: Must be available to work any day of the week, night and day shiftsThe successful applicant will have a proven track record of:Liquor experience and wine knowledgeCashiering, stocking and retail sales workDelivering excellent quality and service standardsWorking well in a team environmentAssisting the liquor manager in day-to-day operationsMaintaining a work schedule and rostering that reflects the customers’ needsMaintaining store pricing and ticketingAbility to work evenings and weekendsCreating attractive displays and special promotionsMust have current and valid RSACurrent police check will be required for the roleTo apply – Please complete our employment application form below:Contact UsWe are always keen to hear back from our customers so we can improve your shopping experience and our business. We are serious about your feedback and will gladly reply to you ASAP. Please complete the form below and we’ll be in touch!Cnr Anderson & Church StreetsLeongatha Vic 3953Phone: 03 5662 5445Fax: 03 5662 4607Open 7 DaysMon: 10am – 7pmTue: 10am – 7pmWed:  10am – 7pmThu: 9am – 8pmFri: 9am – 9pmSat: 9am – 9pmSun: 10am – 6pmFind Us

Michael''s Highway Liquor

Our StoryWe like to think of Highway Liquor as Leongatha’s favourite bottle shop! You will find a fantastic range of local wines as well as a great selection of those wines you know so well and even some that you might not! We search high and low to offer our customers the very best of all things local and you will find a fantastic selection of boutique ‘premium’ and regional wines along with craft beers, ciders and spirits.However we also realise that ‘a beer at a weekend BBQ’ is just as important – and you don’t need to pay more for that! As part of the IGA buying group, we have the buying power to provide everyday low prices and offer fantastic catalogue and instore specials.As with our local supermarket’s our focus is to deliver the best shopping experience for our customers through great service, a large range and super competitive prices.Our PeopleOur staff are very proud of their store and their commitment to always exceed our customers expectations. We pride ourselves on our friendly service and value for money along with those ‘extra’s’ you just don’t everywhere like sourcing a particular product, supporting our local community and stocking those brands you know and trust.Premium RangeOur Premium Collection Cabinet features a collection of fine wines and spirits. Many of the wines have been sourced from premium grape-growing regions recognised as having an ideal climate for a particular variety or style. Made by some of the very best winemakers, they capture distinctive regional characters and are excellent examples of their style.Premium Selection spirits include a range of single and double malt whiskey, premium and craft bourbon, rum, vodka and other selected white spirits.It’s the perfect place to find a unique gift, add to a collection or just spoil yourself.Home DeliveryOur staff not only pack your your purchase, we also carry them to your car and we even HOME DELIVER! We also offer a pick, pack and deliver service so if for some reason you can’t get to us – we will get to you! It’s all part of the service here at Michael’s Highway Liquor!To enquire about home delivery or our pick and pack service, give us a call on 03 5654 0555 or contact us using our online form.Fuel DiscountMichael’s SUPA IGA Korumburra Fuel Discount offer is available to our customers EVERY DAY!There has been a lot of publicity lately about fuel discounts. There is no doubt that every Australian family is interested in saving money. At Michael’s, we thought we would make it easier for you.Our invitation is simple:Come and shop with us any day and spend $30.00 or more.You will receive a voucher printed on your receiptPresent your voucher at Evan’s BP when paying for your fuels and receive a 4 cent per litre discount.Now, how easy is that!* Offer is limited to one petrol receipt per customer transaction for a fuel purchase of up to 150 litres per customer per day. See in store for full details and conditions of this offer.Trading HoursMichael’s Highway Liquor is open 7 Days and most public holidays. Normal trading hours are below, please check back for specific Public Holiday Trading.Normal Trading HoursOpen 7 DaysMon: 10am – 7pmTue: 10am – 7pmWed:  10am – 7pmThu: 9am – 8pmFri: 9am – 9pmSat: 9am – 9pmSun: 10am – 6pmSeniors DiscountWe believe our senior citizens deserve a few extra dollars off the price of their groceries. We owe these people a lot, they have helped make Australia what it is today.For this reason, every Wednesday is Seniors Discount Day at Michael’s Highway Liquor. Just show us your Seniors Card or Pensioner Card at the checkout to receive a 5% discount.Customers receiving the Seniors Discount are still able to take advantage of the fuel discount offer and also use their Rewards Card for even further savings.To apply for a Seniors Card, complete an online application form. www.seniorscard.com.auConditions for Seniors Discount – The discount will not be applied to cigarettes or tobacco products and phone cards/recharge.Wine GuideWine has been a treasured part of many cultures for centuries. From the cultivation of precious grape varieties to the development of sparkling and fortified wines, wine making has grown and developed alongside the craftspeople that have lovingly squashed, bottled and cellared it over the eons.Today, Australia not only imports many of the world’s finest wines, but is also one of the world’s top wine producing nations, with approximately 2500 wineries producing wine from over 150 varieties of grapes. That’s a lot of wine to choose from.For most of us, this can make a trip to the local wine shop a little more challenging, yes, but also more rewarding. A little knowledge of wine varieties can go a long way when pairing wine with food, or even help to narrow the search by choosing particular grape varieties and blends. And when you want to choose something really special, it helps to know a little something about vintages and growing regions.For the most part, it helps to start by choosing what overall type of wine you’re after – red, white or fortified wine. Each type has its own merits.White wines are often paired with fish or chicken dishes. The crisper varieties, such as a Semillon or Chenin Blanc, are also well suited to warmer weather, while a wooded Chardonnay is just as appreciated on a cold winter’s night.Red wine works wonderfully well at bringing out the flavours of red meat, particularly game meat such as kangaroo or venison. Red wines are also a wonderful accompaniment to Tapas or Antipasto.Rosé is a light, easy-drinking wine and is often varying shades of pink, this wine is best enjoyed chilled on a hot day and is the perfect accompliment to spicy foods but is equaly perfect with cultured cheese.White wines and rosé also come in sparkling varieties. While Champagne can only be called such if it’s from the Champagne region of France, Australia is also fast becoming known for its Sparkling Shiraz and other sparkling wines produced from cold climate grapes.Fortified wines include both red and white ports, sherry and sauternes – or “sticky” dessert wines. These are wines to be sipped and savoured in smaller amounts, and are well worth exploring.By taking some time to get to know the various types of wine available, and what style of wine the various grape varieties produce, you will be able to pick the right wine for just about any occasion.Australian WhitesAustralia is fast becoming one of the world’s most prolific and highly awarded wine producers in the New World wine market, and Australians’ taste for wine has most definitely caught up. With literally hundreds of grape varieties now being grown in various regions, and many more being introduced each year, the wine lover now has more choice than ever before.Knowing a little about the types of white wines available and the best regions can help narrow your next search for the perfect white.ChardonnayChardonnay is now grown in many of Australia’s wine regions, and depending on the terroir (environmental conditions in which it’s grown) and the ripeness of the grape, it can range from citrus and herbaceous notes to a deep tropical bouquet. Chardonnay is also used in the production of many sparkling wines, and is traditionally blended with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier in the production of Champagne in France.RieslingThe Riesling variety of grape, thought to originate in the Moselle and Riesling region of Germany, has been grown in Australia since the 1800s. It has been particularly successful in the Barossa region of South Australia, where German settlers first planted it in the 1850s. Riesling goes through a number of ripening stages, making it a very flexible grape for wine making. Unripe, it has a mineral and citrus nose, moving into rose petals and green apples as it approaches the ripe stage. The ripe stage of peach and honeysuckle develops into tropical fruit and lemon butter as it develops further.Sauvingnon BlancSauvignon Blanc is a grape variety that has done very well in recent years, particularly in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales, the Margaret River region in Western Australia and in some parts of Tasmania. New Zealand’s Marlborough region is well known for its Sauvignon Blanc, where the conditions for growing are ideal. As a wine, Sauvignon Blanc is often tart and dryer than a Chardonnay, but again, this depends on the stage of ripeness and the region in which it’s grown.Picked early, it has aromas of green apple and capsicum, later developing a deeper, sweeter flavour of peach, apricot and melon. Sauvignon Blanc is commonly blended with Semillon in Australia, giving it an extra touch of fig. When affected by the “botrytis” fungus, Sauvignon Blanc can be used to create a wonderful sauterne that resists being overly sweet.SemillonSemillon has always been at home in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales, which has become famous for its production of fine white wines. In more recent years, this versatile grape has made its way to the Margaret River and Barossa Valley, where its young grassy and herbaceous nose moves into a peach and fig bouquet as it ripens, finally resulting in a deep honey and apricot flavour.Pinot Grigio and Pinot GrisPinto Grigio and Pinot Gris are the exact same grape variety. Pinot Grigio originates from Italy where it is generally a crisp light-bodied white wine produced for early consumption. Pinot Gris originates from France where it is mostly grown in Alsace and is typically fuller bodied and better for cellaring.Now widely planted through many regions around the world, in Australia these varieties have been particularly successful in the cooler climates of Tasmania, the Mornington Peninsula, the Adelaide Hills and the Yarra Valley. Over the past two decades, Pinot Grigio and Pint Gris have grown popularity in Australia and are now firmly placed in our mainstream white wine market.VerdelhoThe Verdelho variety, which originated in Portugal, has found most success in Australia in the Margaret River region of Western Australia and the Hunter Valley in New South Wales. As an alternative to Chardonnay, it offers a fruity and crisp palette, pairing well with a number of foods, including spicy Asian and Spanish cuisines. Verdelhos are also used in combination with other varieties, including Chenin Blanc, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, to create crisp, dry white wines.In recent years Australia has expanded the number of grape varieties grown and some of the world’s most popular whites are now being produced to excellent standards in Australia. These include Chenin Blanc, Marsanne, White Burgundy, Boignier and Chablis.Australian RedsAustralian RedsRed wine has been making in-roads in Australia for many years, and today, there are more varieties of red wine available than ever before. Australia’s red wine makers are some of the world’s finest, and leading wine regions, such as the Barossa and Clare Valleys in South Australia, the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, the Margaret River region in Western Australia, and the Freycinet Peninsula in Tasmania, are producing wine from a growing number of grape varieties.Red wine grape varietiesRed wines are produced using the juice of black grapes, which, along with their skins and tannins, vary a great deal in terms of colour and flavour. Following is a list of some of the most popular red wine grape varieties available in Australia and where they hail from.ShirazAustralia is known the world over for both its still and sparkling Shiraz wines. The origin of this grape is thought to be Iran, but more recent genealogy has traced its origins back to France. Wherever the origin, Australian winemakers have done extremely well with this grape variety.Shiraz is well suited to the Australian climate, being able to produce large quantities of grapes on a single vine, even in low fertile soils. Shiraz is perhaps most well known for its deep plum colour and peppery flavour, but it is also a versatile grape. Left to ripen more deeply, the peppery qualities develop into notes of stewed plums and dark cherry, after which it develops even further into flavours of port, chocolate and coffee when very ripe.Cabernet SauvignonIn many parts of the world, Cabernet Sauvignon is the monarch of all grapes. It has been used in the Bordeaux area of France for centuries as a foundation for Claret wines. It is said to have first appeared in Australia at the beginning of the 1830s, when James Busby planted it along with other varieties. Today, it enjoys much success in many regions across the country, particularly in the Yarra Valley and Margaret River, where it has reached world renown.Cabernet Sauvignon has four stages of ripeness, each with their own distinctiveness. Unripe, it is herbaceous, with notes of capsicum and tea. Just before ripeness, it develops an earthy nose, with hints of truffle, pepper and mint. When ripe, it has a bouquet of blackberry, plum and cherry, and finally, when ripe it has a deep flavour of port, caraway, aniseed and coffee.Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent cellaring wine.MerlotOne of the rising stars of the Australian wine market, Merlot is part of the Cabernet family of grapes. Because it ripens a week before others in its clan, the Merlot grape has proved a good investment for many wine growers by providing a backup for other crops that may not develop high yields in certain weather conditions.In its early, unripe stage, Merlot is earthy, with notes of truffle and black olive. It develops a more distinctive berry palate as it ripens, moving into a bouquet of plum, liquorice and chocolate as it becomes very ripe. Many winemakers blend Merlot with other grape varieties in order to create their own distinctive wines.Pinot NoirPinot Noir is one of the most difficult varieties of grape to grow, and its flavour is mostly a result of its growing environment (terrior). This means it can range quite dramatically from one growing region to the next. Pinot Noir is not as heavy as other red wines, but don’t let its lighter colour fool you. When the balance between acid and tannin is just right, a Pinot Noir can be meaty and herbaceous. Keep a lookout for Pinot Noirs from the Yarra Valley and Geelong in particular, as the Victorian environment seems to have struck the right balance of temperature for this grape variety, which doesn’t like things too hot or cold. A Pinot Noir can be served both chilled and at room temperature.GrenacheGrenache was one of the most widely planted grape varieties in Australia before making way for Shiraz, but in recent years this robust and versatile grape has been making a comeback. Grenache holds its own very well, and is also a wonderful partner with other varieties. In fact, in the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale regions, where it has been planted most widely, it is often blended with Shiraz and Mourvedre to make what is fast becoming the regions’ signature ‘GSM Blend’. Like Pinot Noir, the flavour of Grenache is the product of its terrior, and the older the vine, the more complex the wine. This is one grape variety worth keeping an eye out for.Other red grape varieties to look out forGrape varieties can come and go as they slip in and out of favour. Some of the most popular reds from around the world, including Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Malbec and Zinfadel, are now either firmly established or up and coming wines in Australia.Australian SparklingThe term ‘sparkling wine’ is used to describe almost any other carbonated wine produced outside the Champagne region, and can be created using a method similar to méthode champenoise, the Charmat process or the transfer method. This last method follows méthode champenoise in that it goes through a primary fermentation process in the bottle, after which it is transferred to a large vat where it is filtered.This method also allows wine makers more control over blending, which can create a wine of greater complexity. Another method commonly used for cheaper sparkling wines involves a direct carbon dioxide injection, which is illegal in France.Many sparkling wines, as with Champagne, are created from grapes grown in cold climates. In Australia, the cold climate wines of Tasmania are becoming increasingly well known throughout the world, and Australia’s sparkling Shiraz is also fast growing in popularity.Australian FortifiedA fortified wine differs from other wines in that it is ‘fortified’ with additional alcohol during the production process. Fortified wines include Port, Marsala, Madeira and Sherry.Fortified wines have been produced in Australia for many years. In the Barossa Valley in South Australia, Grenache grapes have been used for the production of Port for many years, and today, the region is famous for both its red and white Ports.Fortified wines can be either dry or sweet, and this is the result of both the type of grape that used to produce the wine, as well as which stage of fermentation the additional alcohol is added. If the wine is allowed to develop fully before alcohol is added, usually in wooden casks, the sugars in the grapes will already have been converted to alcohol, making the wine dryer. If the alcohol is added earlier in the process, the still present sugars make for a sweeter fortified wine. Brandy, which is a distilled alcohol made from grapes, is commonly the alcohol used to fortify the wine, but other types of neutral alcohol are also used, such as those distilled from grains, sugar beets or sugar cane.HistoryFortified wines have developed in many areas across the world. For example, in 1772, English merchant John Woodhouse sought to create a cheaper alternative to Port and Sherry while living in the Sicilian port city of Marsala, which was to become the namesake of the wine. Sherry originated in Spain, taking its Anglicised name from the town of ‘Jerez’, where it was first produced.Port was first produced in the Douro Valley in northern Portugal. The second known recipe for Vermouth, another style of fortified wine perhaps best known as one of the ingredients in a Martini cocktail, was created by Antonio Benedetto Carpano in Turin, Italy. Vermouth is a fortified wine that is flavoured with aromatic herbs and spices, and while the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, some of those spices are thought to be cardamom and cinnamon.Best enjoyedMany fortified wines make an excellent after-dinner drink, and are slowly sipped in order for their deep and complex flavours to be fully appreciated.Cooking with fortified wines can bring out the flavours of many foods, both sweet and savoury. A Christmas trifle, for example, would not be the same without the inclusion of a good quality Sherry. Port can be used for stewing fruits, and is particularly good with pears when combined with spices such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and star anise, and makes an excellent jus base for red meat.Community RewardsOur Community Rewards program is designed to support local not for profit and community organisations by donating a percentage of what customers spend in-store. For more information on Community Rewards Program please read on, or click here for information on our personal rewards program.If your local School, club, charity or organisation would like to be apart of this exciting fundraising program please read the Information below or download and print our PDF if you are required to present to a committee, etc. To apply you can also download the application form, complete and drop it into the store, or apply using the online form below.Community Rewards OverviewMichael’s Supa IGA Community Rewards program will carry on the great community support that the Korumburra Supermarket has been known for over many years.Our pledge is to support community groups through every shopper scanning a new Community Rewards Key Tag, and community groups can benefit by receiving 1% of these purchases back in a cheque at the Big Cheque days held at the end of the fundraising year usually in September.Michael’s commitment to the substantial funds that this program will generate is significant in such a competitive business. Michael’s approach to this is that our customers and the community are our shareholders and therefore we have pledged a large portion of our profits to this program 365 days a year.The program makes sponsorship support fair and available for all eligible local community organisations, so in reality it has no limits.How the program worksCustomers join the Michael’s Supa IGA Community Rewards program instore by receiving a bar coded key tag that needs to be scanned at the checkout each time they shop Michael’s Supa IGA. Customers have the choice on joining, to allocate their points to a community group or collect personal rewards for those points or a combination of both.The basis for points is one point for every $1 spent plus numerous bonus points ranging from 5-50 points for specific single ticketed product purchases.Michael’s Community Fund also manage a Community Grants fund, this fund generates money through specific product purchases as well as point donations from customers wishing to share their points amongst the community apart from the groups listed to the right. These Grants are generally decided on an annual basis depending on funds available.Please click here to download a list of our Community Rewards beneficiaries to date.Community Group Nomination FormPersonal RewardsMichael’s Community Rewards Club is our very own rewards program. Instead of complicated offers or ‘travel points’ you may never redeem, our offer is simple. For every dollar you spend you will receive a point automatically allocated to your card*. You can then donate part or all of your points to one of the local community organisations we support or redeem these points to purchase items from our instore gift cabinet.You will find Rewards Cards at the checkouts, simply ask one of our friendly staff to scan and activate the card and you will start earning points immediately. To complete your membership visit our website, click the link below and within a few minutes you will be able to take full advantage of all Community Rewards benefits.Simply present the card at the checkout and you will earn a point for every dollar you spend*. You can then donate part or all of your points to one of the local community organisations we support oror redeem these points to purchase items from our instore gift cabinet. * Due to legislation no points may be earned on tobacco productsYou may choose to donate all or a percentage of your points to one of the local Community organisations we support. These points will then be converted to cash and donated to the organisation every 12 months. We will ask if you would like to support the community program when you complete your membership online, remember it’s completely your choice!Already A Member? Login Here New Card? Register NowEmployment OpportunitiesPosition Vacant – LIQUOR RETAIL ASSISTANT – CASUAL/PART TIMEWould you like to join a dynamic team and have the opportunity to grow with the company and move your career to a higher level? Michaels SUPA IGA Stores are looking to expand and require Liquor retail assistants to fill existing positions with a capacity to move into more senior roles as they become available.Reporting to: Store Manager, Assistant ManagerAvailability: Must be available to work any day of the week, night and day shiftsThe successful applicant will have a proven track record of:Liquor experience and wine knowledgeCashiering, stocking and retail sales workDelivering excellent quality and service standardsWorking well in a team environmentAssisting the liquor manager in day-to-day operationsMaintaining a work schedule and rostering that reflects the customers’ needsMaintaining store pricing and ticketingAbility to work evenings and weekendsCreating attractive displays and special promotionsMust have current and valid RSACurrent police check will be required for the roleTo apply – Please complete our employment application form below:Contact UsWe are always keen to hear back from our customers so we can improve your shopping experience and our business. We are serious about your feedback and will gladly reply to you ASAP. Please complete the form below and we’ll be in touch!Cnr Anderson & Church StreetsLeongatha Vic 3953Phone: 03 5662 5445Fax: 03 5662 4607Open 7 DaysMon: 10am – 7pmTue: 10am – 7pmWed:  10am – 7pmThu: 9am – 8pmFri: 9am – 9pmSat: 9am – 9pmSun: 10am – 6pmFind Us

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Our StoryWe like to think of Highway Liquor as Leongatha’s favourite bottle shop! You will find a fantastic range of local wines as well as a great selection of those wines you know so well and even some that you might not! We search high and low to offer our customers the very best of all things local and you will find a fantastic selection of boutique ‘premium’ and regional wines along with craft beers, ciders and spirits.However we also realise that ‘a beer at a weekend BBQ’ is just as important – and you don’t need to pay more for that! As part of the IGA buying group, we have the buying power to provide everyday low prices and offer fantastic catalogue and instore specials.As with our local supermarket’s our focus is to deliver the best shopping experience for our customers through great service, a large range and super competitive prices.Our PeopleOur staff are very proud of their store and their commitment to always exceed our customers expectations. We pride ourselves on our friendly service and value for money along with those ‘extra’s’ you just don’t everywhere like sourcing a particular product, supporting our local community and stocking those brands you know and trust.Premium RangeOur Premium Collection Cabinet features a collection of fine wines and spirits. Many of the wines have been sourced from premium grape-growing regions recognised as having an ideal climate for a particular variety or style. Made by some of the very best winemakers, they capture distinctive regional characters and are excellent examples of their style.Premium Selection spirits include a range of single and double malt whiskey, premium and craft bourbon, rum, vodka and other selected white spirits.It’s the perfect place to find a unique gift, add to a collection or just spoil yourself.Home DeliveryOur staff not only pack your your purchase, we also carry them to your car and we even HOME DELIVER! We also offer a pick, pack and deliver service so if for some reason you can’t get to us – we will get to you! It’s all part of the service here at Michael’s Highway Liquor!To enquire about home delivery or our pick and pack service, give us a call on 03 5654 0555 or contact us using our online form.Fuel DiscountMichael’s SUPA IGA Korumburra Fuel Discount offer is available to our customers EVERY DAY!There has been a lot of publicity lately about fuel discounts. There is no doubt that every Australian family is interested in saving money. At Michael’s, we thought we would make it easier for you.Our invitation is simple:Come and shop with us any day and spend $30.00 or more.You will receive a voucher printed on your receiptPresent your voucher at Evan’s BP when paying for your fuels and receive a 4 cent per litre discount.Now, how easy is that!* Offer is limited to one petrol receipt per customer transaction for a fuel purchase of up to 150 litres per customer per day. See in store for full details and conditions of this offer.Trading HoursMichael’s Highway Liquor is open 7 Days and most public holidays. Normal trading hours are below, please check back for specific Public Holiday Trading.Normal Trading HoursOpen 7 DaysMon: 10am – 7pmTue: 10am – 7pmWed:  10am – 7pmThu: 9am – 8pmFri: 9am – 9pmSat: 9am – 9pmSun: 10am – 6pmSeniors DiscountWe believe our senior citizens deserve a few extra dollars off the price of their groceries. We owe these people a lot, they have helped make Australia what it is today.For this reason, every Wednesday is Seniors Discount Day at Michael’s Highway Liquor. Just show us your Seniors Card or Pensioner Card at the checkout to receive a 5% discount.Customers receiving the Seniors Discount are still able to take advantage of the fuel discount offer and also use their Rewards Card for even further savings.To apply for a Seniors Card, complete an online application form. www.seniorscard.com.auConditions for Seniors Discount – The discount will not be applied to cigarettes or tobacco products and phone cards/recharge.Wine GuideWine has been a treasured part of many cultures for centuries. From the cultivation of precious grape varieties to the development of sparkling and fortified wines, wine making has grown and developed alongside the craftspeople that have lovingly squashed, bottled and cellared it over the eons.Today, Australia not only imports many of the world’s finest wines, but is also one of the world’s top wine producing nations, with approximately 2500 wineries producing wine from over 150 varieties of grapes. That’s a lot of wine to choose from.For most of us, this can make a trip to the local wine shop a little more challenging, yes, but also more rewarding. A little knowledge of wine varieties can go a long way when pairing wine with food, or even help to narrow the search by choosing particular grape varieties and blends. And when you want to choose something really special, it helps to know a little something about vintages and growing regions.For the most part, it helps to start by choosing what overall type of wine you’re after – red, white or fortified wine. Each type has its own merits.White wines are often paired with fish or chicken dishes. The crisper varieties, such as a Semillon or Chenin Blanc, are also well suited to warmer weather, while a wooded Chardonnay is just as appreciated on a cold winter’s night.Red wine works wonderfully well at bringing out the flavours of red meat, particularly game meat such as kangaroo or venison. Red wines are also a wonderful accompaniment to Tapas or Antipasto.Rosé is a light, easy-drinking wine and is often varying shades of pink, this wine is best enjoyed chilled on a hot day and is the perfect accompliment to spicy foods but is equaly perfect with cultured cheese.White wines and rosé also come in sparkling varieties. While Champagne can only be called such if it’s from the Champagne region of France, Australia is also fast becoming known for its Sparkling Shiraz and other sparkling wines produced from cold climate grapes.Fortified wines include both red and white ports, sherry and sauternes – or “sticky” dessert wines. These are wines to be sipped and savoured in smaller amounts, and are well worth exploring.By taking some time to get to know the various types of wine available, and what style of wine the various grape varieties produce, you will be able to pick the right wine for just about any occasion.Australian WhitesAustralia is fast becoming one of the world’s most prolific and highly awarded wine producers in the New World wine market, and Australians’ taste for wine has most definitely caught up. With literally hundreds of grape varieties now being grown in various regions, and many more being introduced each year, the wine lover now has more choice than ever before.Knowing a little about the types of white wines available and the best regions can help narrow your next search for the perfect white.ChardonnayChardonnay is now grown in many of Australia’s wine regions, and depending on the terroir (environmental conditions in which it’s grown) and the ripeness of the grape, it can range from citrus and herbaceous notes to a deep tropical bouquet. Chardonnay is also used in the production of many sparkling wines, and is traditionally blended with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier in the production of Champagne in France.RieslingThe Riesling variety of grape, thought to originate in the Moselle and Riesling region of Germany, has been grown in Australia since the 1800s. It has been particularly successful in the Barossa region of South Australia, where German settlers first planted it in the 1850s. Riesling goes through a number of ripening stages, making it a very flexible grape for wine making. Unripe, it has a mineral and citrus nose, moving into rose petals and green apples as it approaches the ripe stage. The ripe stage of peach and honeysuckle develops into tropical fruit and lemon butter as it develops further.Sauvingnon BlancSauvignon Blanc is a grape variety that has done very well in recent years, particularly in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales, the Margaret River region in Western Australia and in some parts of Tasmania. New Zealand’s Marlborough region is well known for its Sauvignon Blanc, where the conditions for growing are ideal. As a wine, Sauvignon Blanc is often tart and dryer than a Chardonnay, but again, this depends on the stage of ripeness and the region in which it’s grown.Picked early, it has aromas of green apple and capsicum, later developing a deeper, sweeter flavour of peach, apricot and melon. Sauvignon Blanc is commonly blended with Semillon in Australia, giving it an extra touch of fig. When affected by the “botrytis” fungus, Sauvignon Blanc can be used to create a wonderful sauterne that resists being overly sweet.SemillonSemillon has always been at home in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales, which has become famous for its production of fine white wines. In more recent years, this versatile grape has made its way to the Margaret River and Barossa Valley, where its young grassy and herbaceous nose moves into a peach and fig bouquet as it ripens, finally resulting in a deep honey and apricot flavour.Pinot Grigio and Pinot GrisPinto Grigio and Pinot Gris are the exact same grape variety. Pinot Grigio originates from Italy where it is generally a crisp light-bodied white wine produced for early consumption. Pinot Gris originates from France where it is mostly grown in Alsace and is typically fuller bodied and better for cellaring.Now widely planted through many regions around the world, in Australia these varieties have been particularly successful in the cooler climates of Tasmania, the Mornington Peninsula, the Adelaide Hills and the Yarra Valley. Over the past two decades, Pinot Grigio and Pint Gris have grown popularity in Australia and are now firmly placed in our mainstream white wine market.VerdelhoThe Verdelho variety, which originated in Portugal, has found most success in Australia in the Margaret River region of Western Australia and the Hunter Valley in New South Wales. As an alternative to Chardonnay, it offers a fruity and crisp palette, pairing well with a number of foods, including spicy Asian and Spanish cuisines. Verdelhos are also used in combination with other varieties, including Chenin Blanc, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, to create crisp, dry white wines.In recent years Australia has expanded the number of grape varieties grown and some of the world’s most popular whites are now being produced to excellent standards in Australia. These include Chenin Blanc, Marsanne, White Burgundy, Boignier and Chablis.Australian RedsAustralian RedsRed wine has been making in-roads in Australia for many years, and today, there are more varieties of red wine available than ever before. Australia’s red wine makers are some of the world’s finest, and leading wine regions, such as the Barossa and Clare Valleys in South Australia, the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, the Margaret River region in Western Australia, and the Freycinet Peninsula in Tasmania, are producing wine from a growing number of grape varieties.Red wine grape varietiesRed wines are produced using the juice of black grapes, which, along with their skins and tannins, vary a great deal in terms of colour and flavour. Following is a list of some of the most popular red wine grape varieties available in Australia and where they hail from.ShirazAustralia is known the world over for both its still and sparkling Shiraz wines. The origin of this grape is thought to be Iran, but more recent genealogy has traced its origins back to France. Wherever the origin, Australian winemakers have done extremely well with this grape variety.Shiraz is well suited to the Australian climate, being able to produce large quantities of grapes on a single vine, even in low fertile soils. Shiraz is perhaps most well known for its deep plum colour and peppery flavour, but it is also a versatile grape. Left to ripen more deeply, the peppery qualities develop into notes of stewed plums and dark cherry, after which it develops even further into flavours of port, chocolate and coffee when very ripe.Cabernet SauvignonIn many parts of the world, Cabernet Sauvignon is the monarch of all grapes. It has been used in the Bordeaux area of France for centuries as a foundation for Claret wines. It is said to have first appeared in Australia at the beginning of the 1830s, when James Busby planted it along with other varieties. Today, it enjoys much success in many regions across the country, particularly in the Yarra Valley and Margaret River, where it has reached world renown.Cabernet Sauvignon has four stages of ripeness, each with their own distinctiveness. Unripe, it is herbaceous, with notes of capsicum and tea. Just before ripeness, it develops an earthy nose, with hints of truffle, pepper and mint. When ripe, it has a bouquet of blackberry, plum and cherry, and finally, when ripe it has a deep flavour of port, caraway, aniseed and coffee.Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent cellaring wine.MerlotOne of the rising stars of the Australian wine market, Merlot is part of the Cabernet family of grapes. Because it ripens a week before others in its clan, the Merlot grape has proved a good investment for many wine growers by providing a backup for other crops that may not develop high yields in certain weather conditions.In its early, unripe stage, Merlot is earthy, with notes of truffle and black olive. It develops a more distinctive berry palate as it ripens, moving into a bouquet of plum, liquorice and chocolate as it becomes very ripe. Many winemakers blend Merlot with other grape varieties in order to create their own distinctive wines.Pinot NoirPinot Noir is one of the most difficult varieties of grape to grow, and its flavour is mostly a result of its growing environment (terrior). This means it can range quite dramatically from one growing region to the next. Pinot Noir is not as heavy as other red wines, but don’t let its lighter colour fool you. When the balance between acid and tannin is just right, a Pinot Noir can be meaty and herbaceous. Keep a lookout for Pinot Noirs from the Yarra Valley and Geelong in particular, as the Victorian environment seems to have struck the right balance of temperature for this grape variety, which doesn’t like things too hot or cold. A Pinot Noir can be served both chilled and at room temperature.GrenacheGrenache was one of the most widely planted grape varieties in Australia before making way for Shiraz, but in recent years this robust and versatile grape has been making a comeback. Grenache holds its own very well, and is also a wonderful partner with other varieties. In fact, in the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale regions, where it has been planted most widely, it is often blended with Shiraz and Mourvedre to make what is fast becoming the regions’ signature ‘GSM Blend’. Like Pinot Noir, the flavour of Grenache is the product of its terrior, and the older the vine, the more complex the wine. This is one grape variety worth keeping an eye out for.Other red grape varieties to look out forGrape varieties can come and go as they slip in and out of favour. Some of the most popular reds from around the world, including Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Malbec and Zinfadel, are now either firmly established or up and coming wines in Australia.Australian SparklingThe term ‘sparkling wine’ is used to describe almost any other carbonated wine produced outside the Champagne region, and can be created using a method similar to méthode champenoise, the Charmat process or the transfer method. This last method follows méthode champenoise in that it goes through a primary fermentation process in the bottle, after which it is transferred to a large vat where it is filtered.This method also allows wine makers more control over blending, which can create a wine of greater complexity. Another method commonly used for cheaper sparkling wines involves a direct carbon dioxide injection, which is illegal in France.Many sparkling wines, as with Champagne, are created from grapes grown in cold climates. In Australia, the cold climate wines of Tasmania are becoming increasingly well known throughout the world, and Australia’s sparkling Shiraz is also fast growing in popularity.Australian FortifiedA fortified wine differs from other wines in that it is ‘fortified’ with additional alcohol during the production process. Fortified wines include Port, Marsala, Madeira and Sherry.Fortified wines have been produced in Australia for many years. In the Barossa Valley in South Australia, Grenache grapes have been used for the production of Port for many years, and today, the region is famous for both its red and white Ports.Fortified wines can be either dry or sweet, and this is the result of both the type of grape that used to produce the wine, as well as which stage of fermentation the additional alcohol is added. If the wine is allowed to develop fully before alcohol is added, usually in wooden casks, the sugars in the grapes will already have been converted to alcohol, making the wine dryer. If the alcohol is added earlier in the process, the still present sugars make for a sweeter fortified wine. Brandy, which is a distilled alcohol made from grapes, is commonly the alcohol used to fortify the wine, but other types of neutral alcohol are also used, such as those distilled from grains, sugar beets or sugar cane.HistoryFortified wines have developed in many areas across the world. For example, in 1772, English merchant John Woodhouse sought to create a cheaper alternative to Port and Sherry while living in the Sicilian port city of Marsala, which was to become the namesake of the wine. Sherry originated in Spain, taking its Anglicised name from the town of ‘Jerez’, where it was first produced.Port was first produced in the Douro Valley in northern Portugal. The second known recipe for Vermouth, another style of fortified wine perhaps best known as one of the ingredients in a Martini cocktail, was created by Antonio Benedetto Carpano in Turin, Italy. Vermouth is a fortified wine that is flavoured with aromatic herbs and spices, and while the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, some of those spices are thought to be cardamom and cinnamon.Best enjoyedMany fortified wines make an excellent after-dinner drink, and are slowly sipped in order for their deep and complex flavours to be fully appreciated.Cooking with fortified wines can bring out the flavours of many foods, both sweet and savoury. A Christmas trifle, for example, would not be the same without the inclusion of a good quality Sherry. Port can be used for stewing fruits, and is particularly good with pears when combined with spices such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and star anise, and makes an excellent jus base for red meat.Community RewardsOur Community Rewards program is designed to support local not for profit and community organisations by donating a percentage of what customers spend in-store. For more information on Community Rewards Program please read on, or click here for information on our personal rewards program.If your local School, club, charity or organisation would like to be apart of this exciting fundraising program please read the Information below or download and print our PDF if you are required to present to a committee, etc. To apply you can also download the application form, complete and drop it into the store, or apply using the online form below.Community Rewards OverviewMichael’s Supa IGA Community Rewards program will carry on the great community support that the Korumburra Supermarket has been known for over many years.Our pledge is to support community groups through every shopper scanning a new Community Rewards Key Tag, and community groups can benefit by receiving 1% of these purchases back in a cheque at the Big Cheque days held at the end of the fundraising year usually in September.Michael’s commitment to the substantial funds that this program will generate is significant in such a competitive business. Michael’s approach to this is that our customers and the community are our shareholders and therefore we have pledged a large portion of our profits to this program 365 days a year.The program makes sponsorship support fair and available for all eligible local community organisations, so in reality it has no limits.How the program worksCustomers join the Michael’s Supa IGA Community Rewards program instore by receiving a bar coded key tag that needs to be scanned at the checkout each time they shop Michael’s Supa IGA. Customers have the choice on joining, to allocate their points to a community group or collect personal rewards for those points or a combination of both.The basis for points is one point for every $1 spent plus numerous bonus points ranging from 5-50 points for specific single ticketed product purchases.Michael’s Community Fund also manage a Community Grants fund, this fund generates money through specific product purchases as well as point donations from customers wishing to share their points amongst the community apart from the groups listed to the right. These Grants are generally decided on an annual basis depending on funds available.Please click here to download a list of our Community Rewards beneficiaries to date.Community Group Nomination FormPersonal RewardsMichael’s Community Rewards Club is our very own rewards program. Instead of complicated offers or ‘travel points’ you may never redeem, our offer is simple. For every dollar you spend you will receive a point automatically allocated to your card*. You can then donate part or all of your points to one of the local community organisations we support or redeem these points to purchase items from our instore gift cabinet.You will find Rewards Cards at the checkouts, simply ask one of our friendly staff to scan and activate the card and you will start earning points immediately. To complete your membership visit our website, click the link below and within a few minutes you will be able to take full advantage of all Community Rewards benefits.Simply present the card at the checkout and you will earn a point for every dollar you spend*. You can then donate part or all of your points to one of the local community organisations we support oror redeem these points to purchase items from our instore gift cabinet. * Due to legislation no points may be earned on tobacco productsYou may choose to donate all or a percentage of your points to one of the local Community organisations we support. These points will then be converted to cash and donated to the organisation every 12 months. We will ask if you would like to support the community program when you complete your membership online, remember it’s completely your choice!Already A Member? Login Here New Card? Register NowEmployment OpportunitiesPosition Vacant – LIQUOR RETAIL ASSISTANT – CASUAL/PART TIMEWould you like to join a dynamic team and have the opportunity to grow with the company and move your career to a higher level? Michaels SUPA IGA Stores are looking to expand and require Liquor retail assistants to fill existing positions with a capacity to move into more senior roles as they become available.Reporting to: Store Manager, Assistant ManagerAvailability: Must be available to work any day of the week, night and day shiftsThe successful applicant will have a proven track record of:Liquor experience and wine knowledgeCashiering, stocking and retail sales workDelivering excellent quality and service standardsWorking well in a team environmentAssisting the liquor manager in day-to-day operationsMaintaining a work schedule and rostering that reflects the customers’ needsMaintaining store pricing and ticketingAbility to work evenings and weekendsCreating attractive displays and special promotionsMust have current and valid RSACurrent police check will be required for the roleTo apply – Please complete our employment application form below:Contact UsWe are always keen to hear back from our customers so we can improve your shopping experience and our business. We are serious about your feedback and will gladly reply to you ASAP. Please complete the form below and we’ll be in touch!Cnr Anderson & Church StreetsLeongatha Vic 3953Phone: 03 5662 5445Fax: 03 5662 4607Open 7 DaysMon: 10am – 7pmTue: 10am – 7pmWed:  10am – 7pmThu: 9am – 8pmFri: 9am – 9pmSat: 9am – 9pmSun: 10am – 6pmFind Us