Check out a new series of Sydney wine and food experiences

Looking for some fun wine and food experiences in Sydney?

In the suburb of Willoughby, The Bridgeview Hotel is next month launching Bridgey & Barrel, a new monthly dining series celebrating wines, the story behind each bottle, and food.

To be held every second Thursday in the hotel's classic Dining Room, each event will be hosted by a different winemaker, winery ambassador or industry expert for $89 per person.

The series kicks off on Thursday, September 10, with wine family legends Tyrrell's Wines from Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley.

Guests will enjoy a guided tasting, complemented by a three-course menu from chef Rob Phillips.

The experience continues on October with Clarity Cru Wine Merchants showcasing Mudgee producer First Ridge, known for outstanding Italian varietals, before Audrey Wilkinson takes over on November 12, highlighting the its Hunter Valley drops.

Closing out the year, Clonakilla, one of Australia's leading cool-climate labels, will take the floor on December 10. The Bridgeview Hotel, 580 Willoughby Rd, Willoughby, NSW 2068

Bookings for September are now open HERE

Family values: two new members join AFFW

Prestigious wine collective Australia's First Families of Wine (AFFW) has announced the admission of two new members: Best's Great Western and Clonakilla. 

The expansion elevates the AFFW membership to 12 family-owned and operated wine producers. 

Strict criteria govern membership to this group, of which multi-generational succession is the key factor. only the beginning. Also important are exceptional vineyard sites exemplifying the best of terroir as well as ‘iconic wines’ of lengthy pedigree. 

Environmental best practice and a long-term commitment to exporting their wines to the world are also paramount to the collective's objectives 

The membership now comprises Best's, Brown Brothers, Campbells, Clonakilla, d’Arenberg, Henschke, Howard Park, Jim Barry Wines, Tahbilk, Taylors, Tyrrell’s Wines and Yalumba. 

Best's Great Western (above) was established in 1866 and is one of Australia's oldest and most respected wineries.

 Located in Victoria's Great Western region, Best's boasts some of the world's oldest pre-phylloxera vines. The Thomson family have owned the winery since 1920. 

Ben Thomson, managing director and fifth-generation family member, said: "It’s an honour and privilege to join Australia’s First Families of Wine. 

"As a fifth-generation family business, we value the unique perspective that a family business offers and look forward to further opportunities to share our best-kept secrets. The families involved represent wineries with similar values and a shared understanding of the landscape and opportunities which makes us stronger as a collective group."

Canberra District star Clonakilla was founded by Irish research scientist John Kirk in 1971 and has grown from a small family venture into one of Australia's great family wineries. 

Clonakilla is celebrated for its signature Shiraz Viognier, a wine that has garnered numerous accolades and established the winery's reputation for excellence. 

Tim Kirk, John's fourth son and current chief winemaker (above with father), has been instrumental in the winery's success, and since August 2023, Tim's brother Stephen has taken on the role of CEO, ensuring the family legacy continues. 

"First Families of Wine’ is a powerful vision, highlighting a vital dimension of wine in Australia: the contribution of families," said Tim Kirk. 

"We are honoured to join such a brilliant community of passionate, like-minded wine families with a proven, multi-generational commitment to quality and innovation.” 

Speaking from Hong Kong’s Vinexpo - where members of the AFFW collective are currently sharing their stories with the world, Chester Osborn of d'Arenberg, the eighth chairman of AFFW, said: “We are delighted to have Best's Great Western and Clonakilla join AFFW. 

"Both wineries exemplify the dedication to quality, heritage, and family values that define our group.

"Their inclusion not only strengthens our collective mission to promote and celebrate the rich diversity of Australian wine but also enhances the depth of our shared stories and experiences. As we navigate these challenging times, the history and authenticity of our member families become our most valuable assets." 

Wine rivals to the rescue in a time of crisis

Tim Kirk and his winemaking team at Clonakilla are probably the highest-profile producers in the Canberra region - and will celebrate their 50th birthday later this year 

In addition to producing wines made from their own fruit grown at Murrumbateman, they also make wines using grapes from the Hilltops region in New South Wales. 

So why, then, are the two latest releases from Clonakilla, a shiraz and a viognier, crafted from Eden Valley grapes? 

The answer is both simple and sad. 

"In 2020 we suffered the catastrophe of losing our entire crop to smoke taint; a consequence of severe drought and the worst bushfire season in living memory," Kirk says. 

"Generous friends came to our rescue with clean fruit from regions outside New South Wales."

Hence a pair of 2020 releases made from fruit grown by the Hill-Smith family of Yalumba renown in the Eden Valley. 

"We thank Louisa Rose and the Hill-Smith family for making the grapes available to us," says Kirk. 

That's the Australian industry for you: intensely competitive but also collegial in times of need.

The wines are both extremely impressive. The 2020 Viognier ($50) is on the pear/peach side of the viognier spectum and a great match for lightly-spiced Asian dishes, while the 2020 Shiraz ($40) is dark and intense but nicely balanced with youthful allure. Both are well worth trying.

See www.clonakilla.com.au.