10 ways to celebrate Canberra’s weather and wines
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The cold is a blessing in disguise when there’s Pinot Noir and Sangiovese involved.
From Saturday 18 August to Sunday 2 September, the producers of the Canberra region will hold a series of food and wine events to tempt you out of hibernation— Fireside Festival 2018. We’ve rounded up 10 you won’t want to miss.
There are also a bunch of special deals available throughout the festival, so check out the website for the full program.
Fireside Festival Launch
On Saturday 18 August, celebrate the launch of Fireside Festival as part of NewActon’s weekly Cellar Door market from 2pm to 5pm.
Local favourites like Kerralee Vineyard, Robyn Rowe Chocolates, Lerida Estate, Gundog Estate, Lake George Winery, Contentious Character, Tallagandra Hill Wines, Enotria Wines, Murrumbateman Winery will all be there on the day, so you can sample everything the region has to offer in the beautiful setting of the Ovolo Hotel Grand Staircase.
The cost is $12 for a tasting glass, available on the door.
Contentious Character: Fireside Pig and Pinot
On 24 August from 5pm, head out to Contentious Character at Wamboin where the team will dish up a smoked and roasted whole pig, South American-style, with all the accompaniments including a glass of Pinot Gris or Pinot Noir. The usual Friday night pizza is also still available.
$40 for adults and $20 for children, book through the website.
Lake George Winery: Burning of the Barrel
On Saturday 25 August, iconic Lake George Winery will host the inaugural bonfire evening to make the most of the wintery weather with pizza, wine tasting and dessert and activities for the kids from 4pm to 8pm.
$40 for adults and $15 for kids, more information through the website.
Tallagandra Hill Winery: Fireside lunch with music by George Huitker and Junk Sculpture
Lovers of food, wine and music won’t want to miss the fireside lunch at Bella’s at Tallagandra Hill Winery at Gundaroo. My Kitchen Rules winner Bella Jakubiak joined the team earlier this year, serving up delicious local produce with a modern twist.
Music from 1pm to 3pm, bookings essential for Bella’s lunch menu (two course set menu $52).
Brindabella Hills Winery: Lunch + Music
On Sunday 26 August, Brindabella Hills will launch the 2017 ‘Brio’ Sangiovese paired with Ploughman’s platters and live music around the fire pit from New Zealand mother-and-son duo Lutita and Philip Kilmister.
Kicking off from 3pm til 5pm, more information on the website.
Collector Wines and Mount Majura Vineyard: Fireside at The Boat House by the Lake
Treat yourself to a four course menu matched with a range of wines from Collector Wines and Mount Majura Vineyard on Thursday 30 August from 6.30pm. Warm yourself by The Boat House’s fireplace and settle in for an unmissable evening.
$170 per person, more information and bookings through the website.
Murrumbateman Winery: Spring Dog Party
Even your dog can join the festivities on Saturday 1 September from 10am to 5pm at Murrumbateman Winery, as wine dog Mollie launches her 2018 Mollie’s Block Fumé Blanc, a lightly oaked and slightly smoky Sauvignon Blanc.
This free event is dog and child friendly, with smoke-inspired nibbles available to purchase and sales of Mollie’s wine supporting the ACT RSPCA. More information on the website.
The George Bar & Dining: Meet the makers of Bungendore
On Saturday 1 September, meet the wine makers of the Bungendore Region wineries at this intimate event hosted in the beautiful courtyard in Bungendore at The George. From 12 til 4pm learn about local offerings and test out your palate with the experts.
$15 per person, Price includes a tasting glass to take home. More information on the website.
Gundog Estate: Gundog goes gold!
Enjoy a ‘liquid gold’ Muscat and sit by the roaring fireplace at Gundog Estate in Gundaroo, with a choice between three delicious desserts made to order by Chef Kurt Neumann and his team at Grazing from 12 til 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays during the festival.
$25 per person, more information on the website.
Robyn Rowe Chocolates: Warm up with hot chocolate and truffles
After a day out at the wineries, drop by Robyn Rowe Chocolates at Murrumbateman for a home chocolate or warm homemade brownies with cream or homemade ice cream and a chocolate dipped strawberry.
$15 for a chocolate brownie, hot chocolate drink and an above ground truffle package throughout Fireside Festival. More information on the website.
the essentials
What: Fireside Festival
When: Saturday 18 August to Sunday 2 September
Where: Various venues
Website: canberrawines.com.au
Follow: @canberrawines and #FiresideFestival
This is a sponsored editorial. For more information on sponsored editorials, click here.
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