Sensational Shiraz showcased

THE Winter Shiraz Festival has been toasted as a major success across the region as ticketholders enjoyed events at more than 20 participating wineries.

The event organised by Wine Geelong showcased the region’s best cool climate Shiraz drops.

Leura Park Estate marked the festivities with a special Shiraz v Syrah Tasting Terroir event that showcased several regions of Australian Shiraz.

At the event on Sunday, the crowd of 20 were guided and inspired by head Leura Park winemaker Darren Burke as he curated a fabulous voyage spanning four states noted for their Shiraz/Syrah – Victoria, South Australia, NSW and WA.

Participants were guided by winemaker Darren Burke through a blind tasting voyage featuring six Shiraz wines – three from the Bellarine’s Leura Park Estate, Jack Rabbit Vineyard and Yes Said the Seal, and the other three from NSW’s Hunter Valley, SA’s Barossa Valley, and WA’s Great Southern.

“The event was nothing short of fabulous as participants sipped, discussed, questioned and enjoyed determining the multiple influences (and subsequent end results) in crafting a great Shiraz,” The Sharp Group director of marketing, sales and hospitality Lyndsay Sharp said.

“It’s been exciting welcoming patrons back for the annual Wine Geelong Winter Shiraz Festival.

“The best aspect is that this year, the activations felt truly ‘back to normal’, relaxed and enjoyable from all perspectives.”

At Scotchmans Hill, ticketholders were taken through a signature three course winemakers’ lunch with chief winemaker Robin Brockett as well as a masterclass and cellar door event that showcased a range of current and exclusively selected Cellar Reserve wines.

The intimate French inspired three-course lunch was curated by head chef Andrea Brown.

“We would have seen four to five times the amount of people we would usually attract in the winter months over the course of the weekend,” Mr Brockett said.

Guests at Clyde Park in Bannockburn also enjoyed the weekend, partaking in an exclusive gourmet journey through Clyde Park’s Shiraz varietals.

“Local award-winning wine and thoughtfully paired dining options made for a spectacular showcase of everything the Moorabool Valley region has to offer,” Clyde Park proprietor Terry Jongebloed said.

“Clyde Park was delighted to feature in this fantastic celebration of local cool climate wines.”