Exclusive Chardonnays will be a major attraction at the Beechworth Vignerons’ first Gala Wine Dinner which has been added to its annual Spring Tasting weekend. (Note: This event has been postponed until autumn 2022.)
Tracey Richards from the Beechworth Vignerons said iconic Beechworth Chardonnays will be the focus of the dinner menu on Friday, 8 October and tickets will go on sale soon.
“We only have space for 140 people at this dinner. Many of the featured Chardonnays are scarce, so are normally not available for tasting and having never been offered at this type of event before, we are expecting a lot of interest. Wine enthusiasts will not only get this rare treat but will also be able to meet many of the winemakers on the night,” Ms Richards said.
The master of ceremonies for the dinner is comedian and wine buff, Merrick Watts.
“I’m rapt to be invited to host the Beechworth Wine Region’s Gala Dinner as the area is producing some of the finest wines in the country and indeed the world. I’m a massive fan,” Merrick said.
The Beechworth Wine region is renowned for producing the best Chardonnays outside of France. In addition, non-Chardonnay Beechworth Wines will also be served on the night, with a particular focus on emerging Italian varietals such as Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Tempranillo.
Following the Gala Dinner on the Friday, the Spring Tasting, which has also been re-shaped, will take place on Saturday, 9 October. The Spring Tasting, normally held indoors in Beechworth, will this year take on a festival atmosphere in the town’s central Police Paddocks.
“This year we are running it as an all-inclusive event, fenced with marquees for the tastings as well as food and coffee vans and winemaker talks. The set-up allows guests to taste across the range of well-known and emerging wineries on a single day at a single event. Spring weather in Beechworth is gorgeous and there will be plenty of seating, tables and background music so people can really savour the day,” Ms Richards said.
“People can also buy wines on the day. An order form will be included in the tasting booklet and we have organised a dedicated marquee for orders and information.
“We will have our very popular door prize competition running on the day too. One lucky person will take home 24 bottles of the region’s finest.”
“While COVID restrictions have interrupted many plans in the last 18 months, the new rules have seen us re-invent this popular event and we are very excited about the changes. The event will be COVID compliant and have COVID marshalls to help out.
Spring Tasting: 400 tickets – 11am to 4pm, Saturday 9 October. Tickets $79
Gala Dinner: 140 tickets – 6:30 to 10:30pm, Friday 8 Oct in the Beechworth Memorial Hall. Tickets $199
Catered by TasteTrekkers using their pool of talented local chefs. Ticket cost is all inclusive.
Bookings: www.beechworthwineregion.com.au or https://www.facebook.com/BeechworthWineRegion