this get together sounds like a lot of fun! count me in for Oz or NZ anytime next summer. I think May could also be a nice option to avoid the conflicting dates during the summer months (in the US at least)?
and I'll happily bring along some decent (Chilean reds and S.Af reislings) and some unusual (Indian Chardonnay and NW Penn ice wine) bottles.
looking forward to seeing this plan come together