Warm up with red wine in winter

THE Grampians and Pyrenees wine regions, situated on Ballarat’s doorstep, are renowned for more than 150 years of winemaking.

Ten wineries from each of the two areas will showcase their wines at The Red Series.

It’s an opportunity for local wineries, large and small, to come together in one central location for an afternoon of enjoyment said Leigh Clarnette, President of the Grampians Winemaker’s Association.

“We are looking forward to highlighting the depth and diversity of the wines produced in the Grampians and Pyrenees regions as well as the opportunity for guests to meet and learn from the winemakers,” he said.

Held at the Mining Exchange locals and visitors alike will have the opportunity to taste and purchase red wines grown by award-winning winemakers.

Luke Jones, owner and winemaker at Amherst Winery, will be pouring three of his wines on the day.

“We support the Pyrenees by attending and letting the Ballarat people know they are smack bang in the middle of these two amazing wine regions,” Mr Jones said.

“It’s a great event and the Mining Exchange is the perfect venue.”

Damien Sheehan, General Manager at Mount Langi Ghiran in the Grampians, considers the Ballarat market very important for both wine regions.

One of the main reasons for attending is to let people know how to navigate the way to the winery and the others in the area.

“We consider Ballarat home turf and see it as the stepping off point for people who visitors to our vineyard,” Mr Sheehan said.

Mr Sheehan refers to the people who get along to the Mining Exchange as a bit of a mixture of the wine engaged and the wine interested.

“Visitors to The Red Series event range from the rusted-on supporters of the region who love our wine so we look after your loyal clients but we also have to educate the next generation,” he said.

“We love it when we get groups of young people who are just starting to get over their wine inhibitions, and the snobbishness they might think there is, and approach us.

“It’s is great to engage with them.”

Apart from wine tastings there will be cheese and produce available and live music.

The Red Series is at Ballarat Mining Exchange 8 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat on Saturday, 27 July from 1pm to 6pm.

Early bird tickets $35 per person, including entry, a souvenir glass and a six-bottle cloth bag, are available until Friday, 26 July online at stickytickets.com.au/88454/the_red_series.aspx.

Tickets available at the door for $40 per person. The event is restricted to people 18 years and older.