Words by Penny Cordner Images supplied
Welcome the warm weather with a lively weekend celebrating the King Valley’s award-winning food and wine at La Dolce Vita Festival (November 16 & 17).
The festival’s name literally translates to ‘the sweet life’, which perfectly captures the vibe of the weekend – a celebration of the generations of winemaking in the King Valley through food, music and festival fun.
The picturesque King Valley in Victoria’s High Country is perched at the foothills of the Alpine National Park and just over three hours from Melbourne. The renowned culinary and agricultural region is surrounded by rolling hills, flowing rivers and plenty of vineyards, echoing the natural beauty of Northern Italy.
If you’re drawn to wine regions that ooze heart and soul, this is the place for you – the locals are warm, hospitable and unpretentious. First, second and third-generation Italian migrant families from 9 wineries will happily share the stories behind their award-winning wines while you enjoy a range of Mediterranean-inspired drops that are often hard to come by.
If you’re drawn to wine regions that ooze heart and soul, this is the place for you. The locals are warm, hospitable and unpretentious.
Sip and sample everything from the beloved pinot grigio, tempranillo and sangiovese to the more elusive arneis, verduzzo and grecanico. As part of the festival, the winemakers will have new and museum releases available for tasting, alongside cocktails and spritzes to keep the good times going.
If you make your way to Politini Wines, you will be welcomed into a Sicilian family festa with food, wine, music, and a dedicated prosecco bar – think prosecco raspberry granitas and spritzes! Stay fuelled throughout the day with a range of Nonna’s homemade Sicilian food, with arancini and sweet ricotta cannoli on the menu.
Lidia Politini, Sales & Event Manager at Politini Wines says first-time visitors will be surprised by the variety of fresh food and produce in the region with everything from local wine and cheese to artisan bakers, honey makers, gin distillers and boutique brewers in the area.
If the kids need a break from all the food and wine, you can play bocce at King River Estate, join in some arts and crafts at Pizzini or have a game of croquet at Symphonia. As the sun starts to set, relax in one of the many stunning courtyards or terraces with a bottle of your favourite drop and enjoy live music courtesy of talented local artists.
If you’re planning a weekend in the Valley, look for accommodation in Milawa, Oxley, Moyhu, Myrrhee, King Valley, Whitfield or Cheshunt.
THE DETAILS
WHAT: La Dolce Vita Festival
WHERE: King Valley
WHEN: November 16 & 17
More information: http://www.winesofthekingvalley.com.au/events/la-dolce-vita-festival-2019/
