Effervescence is a sparkling success story

Look. There is Ed Carr, Australia's most-awarded sparkling winemaker from House of Arras. He's talking about the importance of aging cool-climate bubbles until they are ready to be released. 

Over there is Nat Fryar from boutique producer Bellebonne. She's chatting about the key role that chardonnay plays in her wines.

And here is Claudio Radenti from Freycinet Estate talking in his own understated way about his winery's recent show successes.

Oh, and over there is industry pioneer Andrew Pirie revealing the philosophy behind his Apogee label.   
Tasmania's leading sparkling wine producers get together each year for the Effervescence festival that celebrates the state's ongoing success. 

It is a chance for wine lovers to get one-on-one with producers and ask them questions you've always wanted to ask. 

But this is not just an event for wine nerds.

Hosted by Josef Chromy Wines, Paragon Wine Estates and Pinnacle Drinks, in conjunction with Events Tasmania, the three-day event is held each November.

In addition to masterclasses for the aficionados, there is also the chance to chill out on the lawn with a glass of Delamere, Holm Oak or Josef Chromy bubbles, or to boogie the night away at Bubbles and Beats. Or even do some yoga in the vines. 

The grand tasting, the centrepiece of festivities, features a diverse selection of wines made by producers spanning the entire state.

If the technology of winemaking is your thing, then masterclasses hosted by panels of experts (above) look at topics including dosage levels and differences between local styles and the wines of Champagne.

For those who want to enjoy wine and food matches, Timbre Restaurant and Josef Chromy both offer that opportunity.

There is, however, some bad news.

Effervescence Tasmania has become so popular that many of its events sell out well in advance.

So while the next event is still 11 months away, it is probably worth your while getting on the mailing list, or keeping an eye on the website for the 2024 line-up.

Check out https://effervescencetasmania.com/ for updates.  

Enjoy Tasmania's best bubbles over one indulgent weekend

Tasmania continues to grow its reputation for world-class sparkling wines - and the Effervescence Tasmania festival is a chance to try many of them over one indulgent weekend. 

The sparkling wine festival in northern Tasmania returns from November 10-12 and is now in its ninth year. 

The three days of events offer guests an array of opportunities to connect with the people who grow and make these wines, often with views of the vineyards from which the grapes are sourced. 

“Regional events such as Effervescence Tasmania are so important in creating unforgettable experiences for visitors to our state," says Sarah Clark, CEO of Tourism Tasmania. 

"By weaving together some of our world-class sparkling wines and produce against a picturesque backdrop, Effervescence further enhances Tasmania's reputation as a premier food and wine destination, contributing to our state’s reputation as a must-visit for discerning travellers.” 

Jane Thomson OAM, the founder of The Fabulous Ladies’ Wine Society and Australian Women in Wine, will be this year’s Gala Dinner keynote speaker.

“Tasmanian sparkling wines have long been a quiet favourite of those in the know," she says. "Led by some incredibly talented winemakers and the perfect cool-climate, the region confidently knocks at the door of the world’s best. E

"Effervescence is the perfect opportunity to shine a deserved spotlight and celebrate Tasmania’s sparkling success.” 

A second sparkling dinner, hosted by Wine Truth’s Loic Le Calvez, will be held at Timbre, north of Launceston, on the Friday night.

Highlights of the 2023 program include The Grand Tasting, a public tasting event at Josef Chromy Wines that will showcase over 50 wines from 15 of Tasmania’s best sparkling producers. 

Guests can also enjoy two educational wine masterclasses; Tasmanian Sparkling and International Sparkling, while Bubbles and Beats featuring DJ Damien Goundrie will round out the Saturday program.

The cellar doors of Jansz Tasmania, Clover Hill, Small Wonder and Josef Chromy Wines will host tours and masterclasses throughout the weekend.

Tickets for Effervescence Tasmania are on sale now at effervescencetasmania.com.

Wineries participating include Apogee Tasmania, Barringwood, Bellebonne, Brook Eden, Clover Hill Wines, Delamere Vineyard, Freycinet Vineyard, Henskens Rankin of Tasmania, Holm Oak, House of Arras, Jansz Tasmania, Josef Chromy Wines, Kreglinger Wine Estates, Pirie Tasmania, Small Wonder Wines and Spring Vale Wines. 

Tasmania set to sparkle in November

Calling all lovers of premium cool-climate sparkling wines.

Tasmania’s finest sparkling houses will once again come together to showcase their best at the Effervescence Tasmania Sparkling Wine Festival from November 10-13.

Now in its eighth year, Effervescence Tasmania brings wine lovers from around Australia to Northern Tasmania, enticed by the opportunity to sample over 50 sparkling wines from around Tasmania, poured by the people who grow and make them.

Comedian and wine expert Merrick Watts will host the Gala Dinner at Josef Chromy Wines and will also be bringing his show An Idiot’s Guide to Wine to Effervescence this year.

“This is one of my all-time favourite shows to do, getting to perform it at one of my all-time favourite wineries, and one of the most picturesque places on the planet, is really tough,” said Watts.

“It’s a comedy show about wine. People taste wines as I tell jokes about the grapes and their history. As a warning, I should say, some people over the course of the wine tasting have learnt something. That’s accidental.”

The event is designed to capitalise on Tasmania’s increasingly fine reputation for premium new world sparkling wine and is used as a vehicle to invite and educate trade, media, and over 1000 wine enthusiasts on the quality of sparkling wine produced in Tasmania.

Supported by Events Tasmania, the festival features Tasmania’s leading premium sparkling producers.

Highlights of the 2022 program include Tasmanian and International Benchmark masterclasses and The Grand Tasting, a public tasting event at Josef Chromy Wines on November 11, showcasing over 50 cuvées from 14 of Tasmania’s best sparkling producers.

The popular Bubbles and Beats DJ session will round out the Saturday program.

Effervescence will also see Jansz Tasmania, Clover Hill, House of Arras, Timbre Kitchen, Black Cow Bistro, Stillwater and Josef Chromy Wines host tours, degustation dinners, lunches, picnics and masterclasses throughout the Tamar Valley region and Launceston over the course of the festival.

Tickets for Effervescence Tasmania are on sale now at www.effervescencetasmania.com/

Participating wine producers are Apogee Tasmania, Barringwood, Brook Eden, Pirie, Clover Hill Wines, Delamere Vineyard, House of Arras, Jansz Tasmania, Josef Chromy Wines, Kreglinger Wine Estates/Pipers Brook, Holm Oak, Freycinet Vineyard, Spring Vale and Bellebonne.