The foodie getaway that comes to you

Posted on 28 July, 2016

Tastes of Two Regions brings the best bits of Rutherglen and King Valley to our own backyard.

With winter closing in and the days getting darker it’s easy to start dreaming of palm trees and white sand. You may have even read about our minibreak to Rutherglen last month and set your heart on vines and sloping hills. But if you want to try before you buy, so to speak, we have you sorted.

Tastes of Two Regions brings the best bits of Rutherglen and King Valley to our own backyard.

TASTES OF TWO REGIONS EXPO

Pialligo Estate will be transformed into a little piece of the North East Victorian countryside on Sunday 28 August. More than 20 wineries and producers will be offering wine and food to show you just why a trip south is a very good idea for any die hard foodie.

So you know how you love visiting new cellar doors but that whole taking leave thing can be tricky? The Expo will give you the chance to sample more than 100 different wines, without the need to travel interstate.

On arrival, you’ll be given a Spiegelau tasting glass to keep, which will allow you to move freely through the day, tasting (and re-tasting) your favourites.

Rutherglen is best known for its Muscat, fortified wines and Durif, and Tastes is a fantastic opportunity to explore this intoxicating rich style of wine. Many of the wineries featured in our Rutherglen minibreak piece will be present on the day, including All Saints Estate, Pfeiffer Wines, St Leonards and The Wicked Virgin.

If you’re more a ‘bubbles’ girl, the wineries of King Valley will hit the spot, with Dal Zotto, Brown Brothers, Politini, Darling Estate and Sam Miranda and more pouring their versions of the Prosecco the region has become known for. There’s also delicious King Valley Pinot Grigio and Nebbiolo varietals to explore.

But it’s not just about wine — the Expo also gives ticketholders the chance to taste delicious local produce and meet the makers. The two regions boast some of Australia’s most delicious regional fine dining as well as olives, chocolates, cheese and ethically grown meat. It’ll be a fantastic day in Victorian wine country without actually leaving Canberra!

Tastes of Two Regions Expo | 10am – 4pm, Sunday, 28 August, 2016 | Pialligo Estate, 198 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo | $35 pre-purchased / $40 door | www.tastesoftworegions.com.au.

MUSCAT MIXOLOGY

While the Expo provides a fantastic overview of the regions’ offerings, there are also a few exclusive events which allow you to gain a more intimate insight.

Meet and greet with some of Rutherglen’s winemakers and learn all about Muscat, its flavours, versatility, and pick up some fun cocktail tips to show friends and family. The team at Monster Kitchen + Bar will be pulling out all the stops to create some exciting and adventurous cocktails all using Rutherglen Muscat.

Muscat Mixology | 6pm – 8pm, Friday, 26 August, 2016 | Hotel Hotel, NewActon Nishi, 25 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra | $100 includes four Muscat cocktails and tapas | www.tastesoftworegions.com.au.

WINEMAKERS OF RUTHERGLEN – DIVERSE, DELICIOUS, DURIF

Go on a Durif discovery with the Winemakers of Rutherglen, as they show you the versatiliy, variety and mystery of one of the region’s most celebrated varieties. Matched thoughtfully with a show-stopping multi-course dining experience by the team at Monster Kitchen + Bar, it will be a Rutherglen wine experience you cannot miss.

Diverse, Delicious, Durif | 6pm – 8pm, Friday, 26 August, 2016 | Hotel Hotel, NewActon Nishi, 25 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra | $140 includes four-course dinner and all wines | www.tastesoftworegions.com.au.

WINEMAKERS OF THE KING VALLEY – LUNCH WITH THE WINEMAKERS

A long lunch is how the winemaking families of the King Valley like to share their passions. Join them at the table at renowned, freshly renovated Aubergine Restaurant. Chef Ben Willis will craft a menu of seasonal produce which sings to the region’s strengths in savoury white wines, Mediterranean red varietals, elegant cool climate styles and innovative sweet and sparkling wines.

Lunch with the Winemakers | 12pm – 4pm, Saturday, 27 August, 2016 | Aubergine Restaurant 18 Barker Street, Griffith | $140 includes canapés and Prosecco on arrival, followed by a 4 course menu matched with wines | www.tastesoftworegions.com.au.

RUTHERGLEN ESTATES – DINNER WITH THE WINEMAKER

Join Winemaker, Marc Scalzo, for a five-course degustation menu matched to some of Rutherglen’s finest wines. Get to know their contemporary and modern wine styles matched to a fantastic multi-course degustation while overlooking the lake.

Dinner with the Winemaker | 25 August, 2016 | Boathouse By The Lake, Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive, Barton | $140 ($125 for cellar club members) for a five-course degustation matched with Rutherglen Estate wines | Call 02 6032 7999 or email administration@rutherglenestates.com.au for bookings.

the essentials

What: Tastes of Two Regions
When: Sunday 28 August from 10am until 4pm
Where: Pialligo Estate, 18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo
Tickets: $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Includes a Spiegelau tasting glass to keep
Purchase tickets and find more information: www.tastesoftworegions.com.au

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