The Melbourne Good Food and Wine Show is almost here (have you entered my ticket giveaway yet?) and it is time to start planning our attack. Because I have contacts who are working with the show am a wine ninja, I have managed to get a little sneaky peek of the wine companies participating in the show this year.
It’s important to remember that this is the Good Food AND Wine Show. I think a lot of people get swept up in all the amazing food on offer and forget to think about the wine offerings. This is your chance to try some beautiful wines from wineries all over Australia (and beyond) and perhaps discover something new. If you have never done a wine tasting before this is a lovely introduction too – a casual environment where you can just pick and choose the styles you like and challenge yourself to try something different without needed to drive between cellar doors.
I wanted to feature a couple of my favourites but really, there is something for everyone so check out all the links below and start developing your game plan. If more than one or two of these appeals (and you aren’t into spitting wine), make sure you plan ahead and don’t drive.
Brokenwood Wines
I have to admit upfront that I work for a company that works with Brokenwood but there is no nepotism involved in this pick. I have been working with Brokenwood wines for years (pouring them in wine bars, and selling them in stores) and have always been impressed with the quality and value for money. Originally based in the Hunter Valley, they specialise in Shiraz and Semillon. In more recent years they have diversified into other fantastic regions like our local Beechworth, allowing them to add varieties such as Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo to their range.
Make sure you try: Semillon. This is absolutely one of the speciality grapes of the Hunter Valley, and Australia is pretty much the only country in the world that makes single varietal Semillon. When the wines are young they are full of citrus characters and refreshing acidity, perfect with seafood. As they age, they undergo a transformation to become rich and honeyed.
Yealands Family Wines
I first heard about this winery in relation to its award-winning sustainability practises. The wines also pick up quite a few awards about the place. In addition to the Marlborough classics of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (although you would be forgiven for thinking Marlborough only made Sauvignon Blanc) there are a few interesting varietals like Gewurtztraminer and Grüner Veltliner.
Make sure you try: Sauvignon Blanc. Not all New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc tastes the same and Yealands make examples from different areas. Hopefully they might be pouring their sparkling Sauvignon Blanc too.
Lost Buoy Wines
I have to admit that this one caught my eye because it is from the same part of the world as my partner in wine (and Winenot), Willunga Wino.
Make sure you try: Grenache. McLaren Vale does some superb grenache. One of the first ever food and wine matches I fell in love with was McLaren Vale grenache and aged cheddar, give it a go.
O’Leary Walker Wines
I’m sure you recognise the name. These guys are big players and for good reason; they made a fairly diverse range of affordable, quality wines.
Make sure you try: Riesling. Clare Valley riesling is a thing of beauty (it’s dry, don’t be put off by what you may have drank in the eighties).
If you are in Melbourne or can get yourself to Melbourne, go here for your chance to win a double pass to the Melbourne Good Food and Wine Show. But hurry, competition closes Sunday 24th May at 8pm AEST.
Now it’s your turn. Tell me, which stands are you planning to visit?
Diclosure: I did not receive payment of any type to write this post.
Willunga Wino
May 18, 2015 at 2:23 pm (12 months ago)I would love to try Yealands – ever since I heard about them using miniature ‘peek a boo’ sheep to keep weeds down and which are too short to reach the grapes – I’ve wanted to visit them in NZ.
Nice plug for locals Lost Buoys – the vineyard with the best view in Australia.
Plus Riesling and Semillon – two of my three favourite white grape varieties!
If only GFWS would come back to Radelaide! #jealous
Nicole Bilson
May 26, 2015 at 10:24 pm (12 months ago)Oh, I’ve heard about the miniature sheep too! I didn’t realise it was them.
bakeplaysmile
May 19, 2015 at 8:49 am (12 months ago)Oooh some great wine picks here! Cant wait to try them!
Nicole Bilson
May 26, 2015 at 10:25 pm (12 months ago)What day are you planning to go?
Diane Warren
May 20, 2015 at 11:36 pm (12 months ago)I’d love to be able to go to that, there are some great labels int he line up.
Nicole Bilson
May 26, 2015 at 10:38 pm (12 months ago)Do you see any of these in France?
thegirlhassparke
May 21, 2015 at 7:40 pm (12 months ago)I would love to go to the Melbourne food and wine show it is on my bucket list! I will have to get some NZ wine recommendations off you for our trip.
Nicole Bilson
May 26, 2015 at 10:36 pm (12 months ago)Oh yes! Where in NZ are you going?
Jem @ Lost in Utensils
May 23, 2015 at 2:12 pm (12 months ago)Thanks for the wine picks Nicole. I agree food and wine shows are a great opportunity to try, and gather more knowledge of different wines.
Nicole Bilson
May 26, 2015 at 10:34 pm (12 months ago)Are you heading to the Brissy one?
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid
May 24, 2015 at 8:33 am (12 months ago)We’ve been to the Food and Wine Show heaps of times in Sydney and the wine tasting has always been a highlight. It’s such a good opportunity to taste so many different varieties from so many different winemakers. The tip is to take your nana trolley so that you can buy a few bottles (although many deliver too) I wonder if the selection will change for Sydney?
Nicole Bilson
May 26, 2015 at 10:31 pm (12 months ago)Ahhh good tip on the nana trolley!
Kelly Page
May 24, 2015 at 1:08 pm (12 months ago)Grenache and aged cheddar, yum! We have a lot of grenache in the Paso Robles area of CA and it’s lovely. I never thought of pairing it with cheddar, but now I will. If I can get my hands on a McLaren Vale, I’ll be set for the perfect day!
Nicole Bilson
May 26, 2015 at 10:31 pm (12 months ago)Can you get McLaren Vale wine where you are? Oh gosh, i wish we had more access to American wine here.
Sonia Life Love Hiccups
May 25, 2015 at 8:03 pm (12 months ago)Now i am normally a gin and tonic or a vodka and soda gal but you have started a serious wine craving here hun. The wog with the grog – lmao I love that name xx
Nicole Bilson
May 26, 2015 at 10:29 pm (12 months ago)Well thank you.
I’m with you, The Wog with the Grog is a savvy little marketing mind.