Epicurean travellers and lovers of Australian wine know that Victoria's Mornington Peninsula is famous for its gourmet produce and stunning boutique vineyards. This year, the region will hold a vibrant new wine event during Winter Wine Weekend, 8-10 June.
The Mornington Peninsula Vignerons Association (MPVA) has decided to add a bit more 'fest' to Winter Wine Weekend, its longest running promotion, with a revamping of the traditional wine tasting into a Wine Fest, complete with food, wine, music and entertainment.
The three-day long weekend will kick off with the Wine Fest on Saturday 8 June (11am-4pm) at the Red Hill Recreation Reserve and Showgrounds, just a short trip from Melbourne, making the Wine Fest a perfect starting point for a tour of the region's 45 wineries. The region offers a picturesque setting for vineyard-hopping, with rolling hills and a glorious seaside backdrop.
So what does this new Wine Fest entail?
Firstly, whether you are a serious Mornington Peninsula wine lover or a newcomer to the region you can sample more than 150 wines from 35 participating Mornington Peninsula wineries. And while the Peninsula is best known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it also produces a number of other varieties including Pinot Gris/Grigio, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Riesling and Merlot.
You can learn more about wine varieties from local winemakers, hear about this year's vintage and the highs and lows of growing cool climate wines at informal wine seminars. There are two seminars on Pinot Noir (by popular demand), and one each on Chardonnay, Other Whites (including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling), and Cabernet & Shiraz.
After you've sampled the wine you can buy a glass or a case of wine if you prefer. You can taste some of the delicious gourmet food prepared by chefs from leading local wineries and restaurants. Or enjoy cool sounds from local musicians and share a joke with roving entertainers. At Wine Fest you also have the chance to win one of five door prizes announced every hour.
You can then have your say and vote for the best red wine and best white wine on the day, with a great prize for the one lucky voter.
So put it in the diary now. And remember, Wine Fest can be as serious or as fun as you want it to be.
Pre-Book and Save
Tickets to the Wine Fest cost just AUD$22 if pre-booked, or AUD$27.50 if bought at the door on the day. Tickets cover wine tastings and wine seminars but not food. |
