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Wine-filled long weekend on the Mornington Peninsula
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Get ready to get up close and personal with a winemaker at Winter Wine Weekend on the Mornington Peninsula.
What began in the early 1980s as a way to showcase Mornington Peninsula wines has grown from strength to strength, becoming an annual event on every wine enthusiast’s calendar. The Winter Wine Weekend – Saturday 24th of July – is proudly presented by the Mornington Peninsula Wine.
Mornington Peninsula as a wine region
Whether the peninsula means camping on the foreshore over summer school holidays, a golfing trip with mates or a ride on the Arthurs Seat chairlift, there’s no denying the area occupies a soft spot in the heart of many.
For such a small area geographically, it exhibits incredible diversity when it comes to wine. Surrounded by ocean on three sides, the peninsula is webbed with hills and valleys and hosts an array of soil types from yellow and brown soils to red volcanic clay and sandy loam.
All this adds up to a patchwork of micro-climates when it comes to wine production, meaning there’s an infinite number of wine styles for your drinking pleasure. Good thing the Winter Wine Weekend over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend gives you the opportunity to try as many as you like.
Region’s top varietals
The region’s signature varietal is undoubtedly pinot noir, making up half the fruit grown in the region. Chardonnay is a close second with pinot gris/grigio also making a noteworthy appearance. There are also independent winemakers challenging expectations with tempranillo, arneis, savagnin, gamay and more.
Elegant pinot noir is the star of the region as it thrives in the cool climate. Though exact flavour profile varies across the sub-regions thanks to soil, elevation etc. Mornington Peninsula pinot noir is generally light to medium in body, with bright berry notes balanced by soft, savoury tannins. Saturday’s showcase is the ideal time to find your perfect pinot.
Chardonnay also loves the cool conditions, producing a restrained wine with delicate melon and citrus notes, as well as the expected mineral, flinty aspects often found in maritime wine regions. Pinot gris/grigio has a growing fan base thanks to its crisp, food-friendly flavour profile.
Exhibition and tasting Saturday
Saturday’s showcase takes place over three sheds at the Red Hill Showgrounds. Each shed will represent one sub-region with that area’s wineries and restaurants determined to convince you of their excellence.
In total, there will be 45 wineries and over 200 wines to sample so you’re going to need a plan of attack. Grab a buddy and secure your booking. They’ll provide a complimentary Riedel tasting glass, you just need to bring boots, a warm jacket and a willingness to eat and drink.
Ten Minutes by Tractor, Foxeys Hangout, Avani Winery, Mantons Creek Estate and Ocean Eight are just a handful of the wineries participating in the extravaganza, as well as debuting the new ‘Heartbreak’ gin from Bass & Flinders Distillery made with local pinot noir grapes.
Choose from tempting menus by Barmah Park, Lindenderry Red Hill, Many Little Bar & Bistro, Montalto, Paringa Estate and Pt Leo Estate. Red Hill Cheese will be providing their quality artisan cheese for your snacking requirements and Brew Up Bar coffee will keep you caffeinated throughout the day.
Covid-safe practices are built into the program, with each shed accommodating 300 people for a 90-minute session before rotating out and onto the next shed. Tickets are selling fast and with a strict limit of only 900 tickets, bookings are essential.
THE DETAILS
WHAT: Mornington Peninsula’s Winter Wine Weekend
WHERE: Red Hill Showgrounds, 190 Arthurs Seat Rd, Red Hill
WHEN: Saturday 24th of July
MORE INFO: Mornington Peninsula Wine
Stunning new winery and function space destined to become the new darling of the Yarra Valley
‘A real game changer’ that’s how Paul Bridgeman describes Levantine Hill’s new $20+ million state-of-the-art winery. Bridgeman, who earnt his stripes at Yarra Ridge, DeBortoli Yarra Valley, Yarra Yering and now Levantine Hill, is understandably proud and a little excited to share this stunning winery and function space with the public.
‘It’s an amazingly beautiful building and a purpose built winery which perfectly suits how we go about making the wine.’
Production is what it’s all about on the ground level, with grapes picked only metres away then brought into the winery before undergoing hand sorting, crushing/pressing and then into fermentation tanks. There are plans to add a bottling line later in the year.
The underground basement is a winemaker’s dream, with its temperature and humidity controlled environment perfect for barrel maturation. But it’s the mezzanine level where all the hard work comes together with an analysis laboratory and a tasting room flooded with natural light, vital for effective assessment of the wines.
‘It was not going to be just four walls and a tin roof. It always had to be as much an architectural statement and a bit of a monument as well as a practical winemaking facility,’ Bridgeman explains. It was renowned Melbourne architecture firm Fender Katsalidis Architects who were able to bring this mission to life, designing the winery and accompanying function space to complement the property’s existing restaurant and cellar door.
The building’s grand sweeping curves are redolent of the area’s undulating hills but its beauty is more than skin deep. Environmentally sustainable principles were incorporated into the sculptural design ensuring good temperature control and ventilation.
THE DETAILS
WHAT: Levantine Hill
WHERE: 882 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream
WHEN: Mon, Thurs, Fri 11am – 5pm, Sat, Sun 11am – 6pm
MORE INFO: Levantine Hill
A new 3 week festival is coming to East Gippsland this winter
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One takeaway from 2020 we’re glad to embrace is the backyard getaway. Amidst the uncertainty of international (and at times interstate) travel, there’s never been a better time to explore your own state. From charming small towns, a vibrant arts scene, local produce the envy of many, spectacular coastlines, excellent eateries and much more, there’s one place that has this all wrapped up – East Gippsland.
East Gippsland Winter Festival (June 18 to July 11) is a celebration of all things art, music, wine, craft beer and local produce. Spread over three weeks there will be a raft of activities including interactive art installations, pop-up events, live music, workshops, exclusive dinners and lavish feasts showcasing the best the region has to offer.
With bushfires, drought and Covid challenging many a local business, festival founder Adam Bloem was looking for a way to attract more people to the region. ’I wanted something that encouraged people to stay a bit longer and travel around and explore all of the little towns and villages.’
We now have over 70 events on our festival program and the majority of these have been devised and organised by local businesses, community groups and passionate locals. The response has been overwhelming and we can’t wait to welcome thousands of visitors to East Gippsland over winter where there will be lots of things to see, do, eat and drink right across the region.
From Mallacoota to Paynesville, north to Omeo and everywhere in between, friendly locals can’t wait to share their special corner of the world with you. Kick it off on Friday, June 18 with the official festival opening in Bairnsdale with live music and roving performers, as well as a bevy of food/wine options and art projections throughout the town.
Pencil in the Pinot Picnic and Masterclass on Sunday, June 20 thanks to the acclaimed Sardine Eatery + Bar and Lightfoot & Sons Winery. This not-to-be-missed event salutes Gippsland Lakes District’s exceptional pinot noir at Lightfoot and Son’s cellar door. The winemaker-guided Masterclass will take place in their barrel room with guests enjoying a Sardine Eatery picnic box filled with cheese, charcuterie and conserves.
This year’s winter solstice on Monday, June 21 just happens to coincide with World Bathing Day. Join bathers from across the globe at sunrise for a live-streamed Global Sound Bath. From the new pop-up bathing area on the future Metung Hot Springs site, drink in the beauty of the natural surrounds for a calm and balanced start to your day.
#worldbathingday
The Lakes Light Festival on Saturday, June 26 promises to be a festival highlight. Watch a mural painting as it unfolds in both a virtual sense and in reality at the former iceworks factory, and now arts hub, in Lakes Entrance.
Is it time to unleash your inner artist? Then don’t miss the lantern making workshop on Tuesday, June 29 in Swifts Creek. This idyllic town in the Tambo Valley is quickly developing a strong reputation for its arts scene and part in the Great Alpine Arts Trail. Experienced local artists will guide you through the process and shine a light on your creative side. Great fun for all ages!
One of the festival standouts has to be the Sailors Grave Deep Winter Festival on Saturday, July 3. Sailors Grave is a darling of the craft beer scene for good reason. Their complex beers (and idiosyncratic branding) tell the story of their unique region, their terroir. None more so than their recent release Dark Emu Dark Lager, a collaboration with Uncle Bruce Pascoe honouring indigenous culture and knowledge.
The Deep Winter event kicks off at 6 pm at the home of Sailors Grave brewery, a 100-year-old butter factory on the banks of the Snowy River. Music will be provided by post-punk Oz rock band Shepparton Airplane and other special guests, with food by Melbourne butchers Meatsmith. Co-founders Gab and Chris Moore can’t wait to welcome you.
By now you’re thinking it might be a great idea to plan a little exercise and thankfully the area has some of the most scenic trails in the state. Little River Gorge Walk will certainly get the blood pumping but also rewards that effort with a stunning view over one of Victoria’s deepest gorges and the mis-named Little River. Of course, a leisurely stroll around one of the area’s many lakes might be more your pace. Check out some of the options here.
So many activities – both day and night – means you’re going to need somewhere to stay. With accommodation options from traditional B&Bs, luxe glamping or maybe a waterside retreat complete with mooring for your boat, there’s no excuse not to head east this winter.
THE DETAILS
WHAT: East Gippsland Winter Festival
WHERE: Various locations around East Gippsland
WHEN: Saturday 19th June – Sunday 11th July 2021
MORE INFO: Register for program updates at the East Gippsland Winter Festival website.
A fleet of airstreams rolls into Mitchelton
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There’ll be more than just Prosecco sparkling at Mitchelton this summer. The Nagambie winery has expanded its accommodation offering, with a fleet of seven Airstream RVs.
Seven of the vintage-style American caravans, known for their distinctive rounded shape and polished aluminium finish, have rolled into Mitchelton to adorn the Estate and offer a unique, year-round accommodation option for guests.
Continuing with the caravanning theme, the Airstreams each have their own deck area with a barbecue so you can whip up some bacon and eggs to have alongside a bottle of Mitchelton sparkling for a DIY proseccie-breakie. Each morning you’ll find a premium breakfast hamper delivered to your door and if you’re in need of a snack, the dry minibar is included.
Mitchelton’s Airstreams are just a short walk from the winery’s existing accommodation, the Mitchelton Hotel, and Airstream guests will also have access to the rest of the facilities including the pool, gym, day spa and Australia’s largest commercial gallery dedicated to Indigenous art.
When it comes to dinner options, you won’t have to go far, with the on-site restaurant, The Muse, offering a menu that favours local, sustainable and ethically farmed ingredients, to be enjoyed alongside a glass or two of wine from Mitchelton’s awarded cellar.
Martin Garrett, Mitchelton Hotel General Manager, said, “Mitchelton isn’t just a winery – we have an incredible Estate in the heart of the Nagambie region which is ripe for exploring. The Mitchelton Airstream Hotel can help do just that – take our guests into the heart of nature for an experience like no other.
THE DETAILS
WHAT: Mitchelton Airstream Hotel
WHERE: 470 Mitchellstown Rd, Nagambie
WHEN: Coming soon
MORE INFO: Mitchelton Airstream Hotel
Seville Estate welcomes a cool new container bar
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For those who want to combine an easy-breezy winery experience with an edgy inner-city bar vibe, this Yarra Valley destination is for you.
Introducing Container Bar, a new venue launched by the legends over at Seville Estate Winery. Nestled in the Phillip Johnson native garden on the edge of Seville Estate, the wine bar features everything you’d expect from the crew; exceptional wine, seasonal produce and a chill atmosphere in which to enjoy the views.
Open on the weekends between 11am and 5pm, punters can either walk-in or plan ahead with bookings for up to ten people. Whether you’re popping by to sample some of the stellar tipples from Seville Estate, or fancy a full day of drinks, cheese and oysters, this is your one-stop shop.
The good news doesn’t stop there though. In preparation for end of year festivities, the crew has launched a series of exclusive dining experiences, tailored specifically for groups. Hosted in their lush outdoor patio, guests can expect a three-course luncheon – kicked off at 11:30am and in the container bar, of course – designed to share and reconnect. It’s COVID-safe, scrumptious and makes for the perfect Christmas party.
There are plenty of reasons to celebrate the end of 2020 and we’re finding it hard to imagine a more relaxing, nourishing way to do it than at one of these killer venues. Knocking back some Chardonnay in an industrial-style container with the summer breeze on your skin; laughing with friends over oysters and experiencing the best service in the Yarra Valley… Well, let’s just say we’ll see you there.
THE DETAILS
WHAT: Container Bar
WHERE: 65 Linwood Road, Seville
WHEN: Weekends between 11am and 5pm
MORE INFO: Seville Estate Winery
Healesville is home to a lush new wine garden
Images via Innocent Bystander
There’s a lot to love about a wine garden. Shady, secluded spots to sip on your favourite drop. Tranquil greenery to absorb the day’s worries. They are the perfect place to unwind and soak up the summer sun.
And we can thank the good people at Innocent Bystander for bringing Healesville the newest leafy oasis, The Garden of Innocence, where one can enjoy award-winning wine without the fuss.
Nestled between Grace Burn Creek and the Innocent Bystander’s cellar door, the wine garden is all about enjoying the best of summer in a relaxed yet COVID-safe environment. The space increases their outdoor dining capacity to 70, meaning there’s plenty of room to bring your mates and maybe make a few new ones.
Wine-lovers will be in paradise looking through Innocent Bystander’s extensive list. With plenty of new vintages on offer – from 2020 Rose, 2019 Pinot Gris and Chardonnay perfect for summer drinking, to the old favourites like Pinot Noir and Prosecco – there’s a drop for every taste.
And if wine isn’t your thing, don’t fret. In November, Innocent Bystander launched a brand new cider made in collaboration with Yarra Valley’s Hargreaves Hill, made with local pink lady apples. Then there are the stellar cocktails like a Rose Gin and Tonic, a Pinot Noir Negroni, or Tempranillo Old Fashioned. You will be ‘cheersing’ to your newfound freedom is utter style.
Of course, no wine garden would be complete without a grazing menu and the team have gone above and beyond to provide the ultimate fresh, locally grown eats. From authentic wood-fired pizzas and classic paella, to house-cured salmon gravlax and decadent cheese boards, all meals are crafted with sharing in mind.
Officially opening Friday the 13th of November, all outdoor dining is unreserved and walk-in friendly. So set the date and get ready to enjoy the friendly, relaxed atmosphere Innocent Bystander is famous for!
THE DETAILS:
WHAT: Innocent Bystander’s ‘The Garden of Innocence’
WHERE: 316-334 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville
WHEN: November 13th 2020
MORE INFO: Innocent Bystander
Outcast Episode #5 – Dirty Three Wines
Watch the latest episode of ‘Outcast’ as Mike chats to Marcus Satchell from Dirty Three Wines in Gippsland.
Marcus has an impressive background in winemaking and currently runs three vineyards in South Gippsland that produce some stunning Pinot Noir. This one is all about wine, winemaking and of course, there’s some tasting too.
OHO in ISO: Jayden Ong from One Block
Jayden Ong is an independent winemaker specialising in cool climate, single vineyard sites in the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula. Jayden and his wife, Morgan, are first-generation winemakers and the team behind One Block.
What is happening with the winery at this stage?
Being at the start of winter, we have just finished vintage. The 2020 wines are now safely in barrel. We have cleaned down and will now show some love to our two vineyards over the winter months. Pruning the vines, adding compost, and at our home vineyard, a shallow plowing undervine and aerating the soil.
We have seen some crazy weather this year, but the fruit we harvested was excellent quality, giving us wines we look forward to drinking. The 2020 wines will sit in barrel over winter, and the wines from 2019 that are now in the tank will settle out during the cold period, and we will look to bottling these in the spring.
How has your family been coping?
We have had a great few months, albeit more cautious than usual. We live in a quiet part of the world, and it’s times like these that make us grateful for where we live. We have space, we still have food growing in the garden, our water tanks are full and we have lots of dry firewood. And we are all healthy which is the most important thing in all of this. The Yarra Valley is spectacular in autumn and we love winter the most! We live on top of a mountain at 700m above sea level and we get snow a number of times each year, which we are very excited for.
What has the current crisis taught you about business?
If you’ve got a good product made with integrity and a lot of love, people will support you at any stage. We have been very lucky. We’ve had to be flexible and pragmatic but have remained positive, which is the key. We are positive in our outlook and in the wines we have made, and since covid changed everything and with restaurants closing, we have been able to communicate with our customers directly more than before, which has been the silver lining for us.
We have recently launched our new wine club, Magnum Opus, and are currently working on a new website, so it’s all systems go. We have been shown a lot of support from customers Australia-wide, as well as our international markets which have come back earlier than expected.
How do you think things will go now restrictions are starting to be downgraded?
We hope that people stay safe and sound, and continue to look out for each other, as well as caring for the people in the community that need it most. Hopefully, we can all learn to be more respectful of each other, and this beautiful country we live on.
What adventures are you planning as restrictions ease?
We are enjoying all the natural beauty of the Yarra Valley, the sunrises and the sunsets. Supporting the fantastic local businesses around us, maybe a lunch in the city with friends, and dinner on the mountain cooking outdoors over an open fire.
A little more wine might be nice as well.
The Details:
Jayden Ong Wines is currently offering free shipping to your door, for 6 or more bottles. Just head to their website to take a look at the range.
OHO in ISO: John Harris from Mitchell Harris Wines
After 8 years at Domaine Chandon, working with winemaking teams from all over the world, John had the desire to create his own brand. After moving back home to Ballarat and joining forces with his wine-loving in-laws, the Mitchells, Mitchell Harris was born.
What is happening with the restaurant business at this stage?
Apart from a couple of days at the start of the crisis, we have been able to keep our doors open, although trading under a very different business model. During the two days that we were closed, we remodelled our bar into the Mitchell Harris Take Away Wine and Convenience Store, and our kitchen team created a new Take Away & Heat at Home menu. One of our bar managers is baking bread and we’ve been able to keep our whole permanent and part-time team on board, doing deliveries, taking orders, cleaning, doing maintenance and even making donuts!
How did harvest go and what impact has the lockdown had on this part of the business?
Luckily, we had just finished harvest by the time the first lockdown laws were announced, and we handpicked the last blocks practising early safe distancing. Yields were considerably lower this year but the quality is very high.
Sadly the lockdown laws prevented the Curious Winemaker program team from coming together to help press off their batch of Pyrenees Shiraz. However, Craig (Mitchell), our kids and I, got our hands dirty and pressed it off whilst we live streamed the process via Instagram and WhatsApp.
How do you think things will go for Ballarat once restrictions are downgraded?
There will be some short-term, acute pain for some no doubt, but the long term growth prospects for Ballarat are still very good. We have seen our sense of community strengthen during the pandemic with greater connection between local business and the community.
Perhaps people will reassess their desire to live in densely populated urban environments and will realise that they can work at home or remotely. Ballarat with its world-class education and medical facilities, growing industry sector and thriving hospitality scene will continue to shine and prosper.
How do you stay positive in this time?
I guess for the first few weeks, amongst all the unknown and the fear, we had the somewhat perverse feeling of exhilaration as we essentially started a new business. All of a sudden we were thrust into start-up mode and peddled frantically to turn our winemaking and wine bar business into a takeaway delivery model.
We have been overwhelmed with the amount of support we have received from our regular customers, our fellow hospitality colleagues and the community in general. Being able to deliver the same Mitchell Harris service and quality into peoples homes and to keep putting smiles on their faces has been immensely rewarding.
What have you been watching or reading in iso?
Sadly, I haven’t necessarily had any additional spare time. Between business survival and homeschooling, I have read a lot of spreadsheets and financial reports but also a couple of brilliant Tim Winton books, The Shepherd’s Hut and The Boy Behind the Curtain. At home in the evenings I’ve been raiding the cellar and watching the new series of Ozark, Life After Death and revisiting The Fall on Netflix and we were captivated by The Capture on ABC iView.
Details:
Mitchell Harris
38 Doveton St, North Ballarat
Mitchell Harris is currently doing take-away and delivery to homes around Ballarat. The venue will be reopening to a limited number from June 1. Check their socials for updates.
