Winter Shiraz Festival sees red wine lovers flock to vineyards

VINEYARDS across the Bellarine and Surf Coast were able to have their finest Shiraz recipes on display as Wine Geelong welcomed back the Winter Shiraz Festival after cancelling last year’s event due to the ongoing pandemic.

Including those in the Moorabool Shire, 26 wineries across the three regions entertained guests via a wide range of activities and experiences.

Those in attendance enjoyed music and food while participating in wine masterclasses.

“It’s always been a much-loved annual event but this year feels extra special,” Wine Geelong executive officer and event manager Jo Wealands said.

“Possibly due to the fact that people have missed out on so many events due to the pandemic and now really appreciate being able to attend them.”

Wine Geelong also offered different tour options for wine lovers to visit a selection of different wineries over the course of a day.

One of the vineyards to participate was Bellarine-based Jack Rabbit Vineyard, which saw the winery host a Local Heroes dinner.

The dinner paid tribute to all the local suppliers and producers with more than 15 being featured throughout the menu.

After receiving such a good turnout at the initial dinner, an encore was created and sold out just as quickly, according to the Jack Rabbit Vineyard.

Patrons also enjoyed a five-course meal created and produced by executive chef Dwayne Bourke, head chef Elijah Grubb and the rest of their culinary team with wines matched to pair with the food.

Across both days at the Curlewis-based Leura Park Estate, co-owner Lyndsay Sharp and French winemaker Elise Bonon curated a masterclass of Australian and French wines in the estate’s Barrel Shed.

This was followed by a blind-tasting of some of the region’s premium Shiraz options providing for, “a rare and exclusive wine appreciation experience”, Ms Sharp said.

Meanwhile, Mt Duneed Estate provided attendees with music and a Shiraz High Tea overlooking the Barabool Hills creating for a perfect environment despite the somewhat windy conditions.

In Fyansford, Provenance Wines held its popular ‘Splendid Shiraz’ masterclass which saw wine tastings paired with prepared snacks by Scott Ireland and Sam Vogel – also shortlisted for 2022 Winemaker of the Year by Halliday Wine Companion.

“Guests were really happy to be out and about, there was a fantastic feeling in the air,” Mr Vogel said.