Discover a weekend showcase of some of the best of Tasmania

Calling all lovers of cool-climate wines from Tasmania.

Get set for Spring In The Vines, a three-day weekend event showcasing some of Tasmania's best wines from regions including the Coal River Valley, Derwent Valley, Huon Valley/Channel.

There is new new growth in the vineyards right now and to coincide with bud burst and blossoms over 40 wineries across traditional regions in southern Tasmania will be participating from October 31-November 2, along with their counterparts from the emerging Tasman Peninsula. 

Think a landscape where vineyards share the space with orchards, rivers, farms, forests, the coast and wild hilltops and mountains. And where pinot noir, chardonnay and other grape varieties thrive.

The line-up of producers involved include first timers in Caledon Estate, Bear and Bird Wines and  Chatto Wines, along with well-known brands like Frogmore Creek, Pooley Wines and Nocton Vineyard, Kate Hill Wines, Mewstone Vineyard, and Bangor Vineyard Shed and Bream Creek on the Peninsula. 

 
Among the vinous treats on offer will be new-release wines available for the first time, rare back vintages made available and other drinks, like Lost Pippin Cider and craft spirits at Charles Reuben Estate. 

Several of the producers do not have cellar doors and open only once or twice a year, and at most you will have the chance to talk to the people who grow the fruit and make the wines. 

Some spaces will be offering live music, art displays and seasonal food.

“This is a fabulous opportunity to enjoy the beauty of southern Tasmania winemaking 
in a most intimate and convivial way," says Mark McNamara of Merriworth Wines, the president of Wine South.. 

"Every winery in our expanding community is a destination worthy of the touring journey. As Spring In The Vines continues to grow we anticipate record numbers of wine lovers."

One winery getting into the spirit of the event is Charles Reuben in the Coal River Valley which will offers Rannoch Quail by Grazing Daisy & Co. on the Saturday and Sunday, Tasmanian charcuterie, cheese, and chocolate, paired with their wines, Tasmanian aged brandy, port and eaux de vie.

They also have music from CRUM (Coal River Ukulele Mob) on the Saturday and folk duo 

The Rusticators on the Sunday. 

For a full list of participating wineries and their offerings visit www.winesouth.com.au

Images: Dearna Bond

Mornington Peninsula to warm up over winter

Been meaning to visit the Mornington Peninsula wine region in Victoria? 

The Mornington Peninsula Winter Wine Weekend might be the excuse you've been looking for. 

The four-day celebration offers "a new look, new food and new events" from June 7-10. 

Key events include ‘The Winemaker's Truffle Dinner’, bringing together 13 wineries at The Village Hall at the Red Hill Showgrounds, each winery hosting a table with wines chosen to match dishes featuring new-season truffles. 

Winemakers will be bringing their rare back vintages, cellar selections and large format bottles. 

Wineries featured include Paringa Estate, Montalto, Stonier, Quealy Wines, Main Ridge Estate, Handpicked Wines, Crittenden Wines, Ocean Eight, Lindenderry, Rahona Valley, Red Hill Estate, Tar & Roses and Yabby Lake.

Saturday’s Winter Wine Festival is the weekend's showcase; featuring 40 wineries pouring their new vintages and special releases all under one roof. 

The Village Green at the festival will feature new food partners including the Long Paddock Raclette Bar, Red Gum BBQ – and Pinchy’s Lobster Bar. 

“We are excited to welcome wine lovers back to the Mornington Peninsula for another incredible Winter Wine Weekend,” said Olivia Barrie, CEO of Mornington Peninsula Wine. 

“This year’s program has a number of new opportunities to experience an incredible array of wines and food from our talented makers. 

"Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of wine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

See https://morningtonpeninsulawine.com.au/winter-wine-weekend

The Adelaide Hills is calling to chardonnay lovers

The Adelaide Hills Wine Region has released details of nearly 40 chardonnay-themed experiences for its third annual Chardonnay May celebration.

Throughout May, cellar doors across the Adelaide Hills will offer special tastings with a focus on cool-climate chardonnay with some wine producers revealing their new vintages and others bringing out  aged wines from the cellar.

The itinerary includes long chardonnay lunches, gourmet dinners, masterclasses and experiences including high teas, painting on canvas and, rather bizarrely, a French-themed disco.

Alex Trescowthick, president of Adelaide Hills Wine Region, says: “This year, Chardonnay May will spread over the entire month rather than focusing on two weekends as we did last year. 

"That way, chardonnay lovers can visit many different producers over the whole month to really gain a deep understanding of the quality and diversity of Adelaide Hills chardonnay.

"From Mount Pleasant to Mount Compass, our cool climate and pristine environment really shine through in the freshness and elegance of chardonnay from Adelaide Hills.”

The event runs from May 1-31 and details are available at www.adelaidehillswine.com.au/events/chardonnay-may

New wine festival to champion the out of the ordinary

Smaller boutique and independent wine producers have a chance to shine at the Yarra Valley's brand new festival: PULP.

PULP will debut next month and aims to champion winemaking innovation and diversity across the region.

The 10-day festival will celebrate local producers, new and established, with wine tastings, food trucks and live music, bringing together young guns and local legends.

There will be a focus on environmentally sustainable and innovative practices, out-of-the-box wine styles and blends, and creative collaborations.

Ticket holders will have the chance to sample the latest releases at events taking place across the Yarra Valley and inner-Melbourne venues from November 11-20.

Maybe take the chance to try north-east Italian grape variety brachetto, or pair sparkling tempranillo with chocolates.

Or perhaps sample wines from Tillie J Wines, Seville Estate, Santolin Wines, Musical Folk Wines, Rongo Wines, Notes Wine, Sutherland Estate, Solar Wines and Wheeler Wines at a CBD tasting.

You can find out details at wineyarravalley.com.au/pulp/

The perfect time to visit one of the finest wine capitals

Of all the wine capitals across the globe, Stellenbosch in South Africa is one of the most compelling.

South Africa’s second-oldest town is an inspiring wine, food, art and cultural destination.

If you are looking for an excuse to visit, or re-visit, then the dates of August 4-9 are worth noting.

Those are the dates of the annual celebration of the grape called Wine Town Stellenbosch 2022.

Inaugurated last year, Wine Town Stellenbosch features a diverse series of events and experiences intended to offer something for everyone.

These include live music performances, farm walks, meals and tutored tastings.

The format of the festival remains de-centralised with events hosted around town and on wine farms,

Organisations participating this year include the Pinotage and Chenin Blanc Associations, while the popular Stellenbosch Cabernet walk-around tasting at Ernie Els Wines (below) returns.

One of the main attractions of Wine Town Stellenbosch 2022 will be Stellenbosch Wine Festival, a two-day showcase of local wines to be held in the Stellenbosch Town Hal on August 5-6.

Stalls run by the region’s top wineries will offer tastings from 4pm-8pm on the Friday; and 2pm-6pm on the Saturday. Over 200 wines will be represented while food prepared by chef Bertus Basson will be available.

Wineries involved include Spier, Alto, Neethlingshof, Middelvlei, Hidden Valley Wines, Morgenster, Lanzerac, Villiera, Remhoogte, Groenland, Boschkloof, Peter Falke wines, Hartenberg, Cavalli, Kaapzicht and Zevenwacht, as well as new wine route members Weltevreden Estate/Bertha Wines and Compagniesdrift.

Other highlights include a winemaker’s lunch at Bottelary Hills; the Oppieplaas festival at Lanzerac Wine Estate, a Spier wine blending experience and live music at Neethlingshof.

Local restaurants will also be running promotions during the festival. Among them are Clos Malverne, Peter Falke Wines, Middelvlei, Stellenbosch Kitchen, Helena’s Restaurant, Jonkershuis 1817 at Weltevreden Estate and Taphuis at Lanzerac.

For more information on dates, locations and prices visit https://winetown.wineroute.co.za/

Sparkling Sydney makes a bubbly return

Sparkling Sydney, a popular sparkling wine festival, returns to the picturesque harbourside venue of Pirrama Park, Pyrmont, on Saturday, March 12.

The event celebrates all things effervescent with over 60 sparkling wines to enjoy from 20 local wineries. 

An array of styles will include Blanc de Blancs, Petit Verdot and Moscato, Sparkling Malbec, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Sparkling Rosé, Verscato, Prosecco and Sparkling Zibbibo.

There will be gourmet food on offer as well, along with other drinks offerings from Six String Brewing Co,  Fever Tree and Brix Distillery with spiced rum cocktails. 

Guests will be able to enjoy sparkling wines matched with wild Signature Oysters and enjoy live bands and leading DJs. 

The live music line-up features contemporary Jazz fused with indie pop, electro swing and New Orleans’s classics; with the main stage featuring the Crawfish Po’Boys, Electro Alley and Spyglass. 

Tickets cost $29 plus booking fee and include entry, festival branded PET vino glass, and access to music venues. 

Tickets are on sale now at www.sparklingsydney.com.au