|
Events
Another aspect of our business is providing the wine-lover with unique wine opportunities such as in-store tastings where you can often meet the winemaker. We also conduct dinners where the emphasis is on matching food and wine (and having fun) in a relaxed atmosphere, again with the winemaker present. We also conduct a Spanish Sherry tasting Fiesta at least once a year. In addition, we run special Master Classes for specific vineyards, producers, regions or sherries.
Tastings
On a regular basis, Rathdowne Cellars conducts free Wine Tastings, usually on a Saturday afternoon, but also on week-day evenings, depending on the availability of wine-makers, who we prefer attending to showcase their own wines.
These are conducted informally, are free (unless marked otherwise) and there absolutely is no obligation to purchase the wines tasted.
July
Mini Southpack Tasting - William Downie, Allies and Syrahmi :: Sat 4th, 12pm - 2pm
We have for you an excellent opportunity to taste three exciting labels from Vic. On tasting will be William Downie's new releases: Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Gippsland Pinot Noirs. The team from Allies will show a selection of their fantastic range of wines. And because there's always room for more excellent wine, we also have Adam Foster in to show wines from his Syrahmi and Foster e Rocco labels. A guaranteed good time for all who attend.
Arrivo Tasting :: Sat 11th, 3pm - 5pm
A number of winemakers have tried to produce the noble Italian variety of Nebbiolo in Australia, though few have done as good a job as Arrivo. We will have the three wines that they produce, all from Nebbiolo, on tasting: a lovely rose, the Arrivo Nebbiolo and the highly-regarded, highly-premium Lunga Macerazione (no points for working out how that translates).
Bass Phillip Tasting :: Sat 18th, 3pm - 5pm
Bass Phillip is one of Australia's most renowned producers of the Burgundian varieties and has long been one of our favourites. So we love having the opportunity to showcase a selection of their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with the man himself, Phillip Jones. This will be an excellent tasting and, if you're well-behaved, there may be a special bottle or two open.
Mac Forbes Tasting :: Sat 25th, 3pm - 5pm
Funny name, great wines. After having worked at Mount Mary, Niepoort, and a number of other wineries throughout Italy, France and Austria, Mac began his own label in 2005. His European-inspired, terroir-focused style has made big waves in the wine industry and has proved to be well-liked by consumers, too. Come and find out what the fuss is about - and meet Mac himself.
Special Events & Masterclasses
Burgundy for Beginners :: Wednesdays 19th & 26th August, 7pm
@
Cam's Table, Rathdowne Cellars | $220 per head
Do you love Pinot Noir? Does Burgundy interest you but seem too hard to decode? Do you love tasting wines from the best regions in the world? Whatever the case, this event is for you. Over two nights we explain the basics of Burgundy, from reading the labels to understanding why each patch of dirt makes a difference. We will also show case 12 wines ranging from entry level Bourgogne through Village and Premier Cru and even up to Grand Cru. The producers we will taste are all of the highest quality and include great producers and store favs such as Domaine Armand Rousseau, Faiveley, Mongeard Mugneret, Bouchard, Henri Gouges, Montille, Vougeraie and more.
Certified Sommelier Jeffrey Rohde will be your host and walk you through all the interesting and unique factors that make this region indisputably the best in the world for Pinot Noir and possibly the best region in the world. The cost covers both nights, all the wines, notes and an entree sized dish each night.
Sold Out.
Lunches & Dinners
Bastille Day Lunch :: Sun 12th July, 12.15pm for 12.30 start
@
Embrasse, 312 Drummond St, Carlton | $150 per head
Following the success of last year's lunch to celebrate Bastille Day we have decided to hold another. It is not exactly on Bastille Day, however it will be a great lunch nonetheless. For the event we have selected a range of French wines that we've enjoyed tasting and drinking over the past year. A few of the regions on show could be thought of as a bit obscure, such as Savennieres, a bit naff - Beaujolais - or old hat - Bordeaux. But we are promising that they will be memorable. And as a departure from the norm we are electing to kick off the Lunch with a classic French cocktail.
This year we are holding the celebration at Embrasse in Carlton. This is a relatively new venture but they have been making a favourable impression on the restaurant reviewers around Melbourne and us too. Tara and Nick have put together a four course menu to complement the wines we have selected.
Limited spaces available!
Click here to make an online booking.
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Dinner :: Wed 12th August, 7.15pm for 7.30
@
Griffs Wine Pub, 166 Johnston St, Fitzroy | $125 per head
We have stocked and recommended the Leeuwin Art Series range for many, many years. We now have the opportunity to show you why. Denis Horgan, owner of Leeuwin Estate, is coming over to show the range including the Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Denis will be bringing with him selected older vintages of the Riesling, Chardonnay and Cabernet to show how good these wines can be with some age. Serena and the team at Griffs Wine Pub have selected a four course menu to match the wines that will be on show for the night.
Click here to make an online booking. |
