La Dolce Vita: spring’s tastiest road trip
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‘La dolce vita’. Direct translation: the sweet life.
So what does ‘the sweet life’ mean to you? Perhaps a great weekend away with friends? How about indulging in delicious food that’s been expertly paired with locally-made wines? No, we’re not talking about a trip to Italy. Your decadent escape is much closer, in northern Victoria’s King Valley, to be precise.
The King Valley has earned its reputation for excellent winemaking and food thanks to the many Italians who settled there in the 1940s, lured by the high elevation and unique climate it creates. Almost 80 years later, the bounty of the King Valley region is celebrated annually in the form of La Dolce Vita, a huge two day festival of food, wine and family fun taking place over 17-18 November.
A four-hour drive from Canberra, La Dolce Vita not only represents the chance to immerse yourself in two days of food and wine, but also entertainment and activities, according to Alison Lloyd, Executive at King Valley Wines.
“We’re really excited to try out the newest winery in the La Dolce Vita program, King River Estate,” she says. “Local folk artist Liv Cartledge will be performing there across the weekend, and the Italian street food pop-up includes deliciousness such as stuffed fried olives, wood fired pizza, panini and zeppola—Italian donuts!”
Alison adds that household name and King Valley icon Brown Brothers will have “something for literally everyone” with six music acts across the weekend, as well as a Sparkling Wine and Seafood Bar, Burger House, Asian Kitchen and opportunities to attend Sparkling Wine workshops and Wine Makers masterclasses.
“Chef Adam Liaw will be in attendance to share his love and knowledge of food and wine matching,” she says.
Want to get hands-on?
“You can get competitive at Pizzini Wines, in either the gnocchi rolling competition, or the wine spitting competition, daily,” says Alison. “Or grab yourself some gnocchi (house made with potatoes grown on the family farm), a glass of wine and relax.”
With 10 wineries participating in total including Chrismont, Dal Zotto, Darling Estate, Francesco, La Cantina, Sam Miranda and Symphonia, there is no shortage of lush vineyards to visit and local wine to sample. And as the sun sets? Alison says the indulgence will be turned up a notch at Dal Zotto’s Prosecco Night which will take place on Saturday 17 November until 8 pm.
“It’s for those who would like to party on into the sunset with sounds by DJ Em and Prosecco Cocktails by Tim Dundoon.”
But for Alison, the heart of La Dolce Vita is always the warm welcome given by the families and winemakers that host the events.
“No matter where you go, you are guaranteed a warm welcome, generous hospitality, fun and fine wine.”
the essentials
What: La Dolce Vita 2018
When: 17-18 November 2018
Where: Various locations around the King Valley, Victoria—approx. a four-hour drive from Canberra
Cost: Festival ticket $25 per person. Children play free. Winery shuttle bus and transfers available. Keep an eye on the website for more updates.
More information: winesofthekingvalley.com.au.
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