In Canberra, nestled down here, in our spot between the mountains, we are blessed with wineries. We are veritably surrounded by luscious grapevines, yielding old favourites and new tastes. Here is an update on the fabulous wineries of the Canberra region for the start of 2015.
Lerida Estate
Among these wonderful makers of alcohol, Lerida Estate continues to bring fine wines to the Capital. Fighting the strange patterns of rain, hungry birds and keeping their fingers crossed against fungus. By experimenting with wild and cultured yeast to expand and control flavours, the team is making every effort to bring beautiful bottles of red and white to the nations’ tables; bottles filled with subtle and complicated flavours, that go wonderfully with dinner.
However, I have discovered that deciding how to pair the right foods and wines can be quite difficult. Luckily, Lerida Estate understands my dinner decision plight and they are willing to help. The Summerside Festival is a full month of events, classes and excuses for the finer things in life. Jazz, food and drink spanning several venues, Lerida Estate offer a decadent class on cheese and wine matching and the Duck and Pinot Masterclass on their grounds at Lake George.
Spend some lovely summer Saturdays learning how to put together everything you need for a delicious evening meal. Full details can be found here on the Lerida Estate website, pick your events and I’ll see you there! However, in the meantime you can try yourself with their award winning Josephine Pinot Noir.
Mount Majura
Up Fairbairn way and beyond, Mt Majura Winery continues to best the weather and is preparing last years harvest for the coming year. The delicious red Toriga, a Portuguese wine, is back on the shelves this year along with their French Mondeuse, which is coming into its second season and the 2013 Tempranillo which is still exceeding expectations. Also keep a look out in coming years for their thrice-award-winning Riesling that will have to brave the birds and stay on the vine for a little while longer.
With all these fancy names it can be hard for the average Canberran to sort them out. A great opportunity to taste and learn a little bit about them with the wine makers themselves is to come to the East Hotel Fridays in February for Meet the Locals: a social evening of wine cheese and other delectable foods.
Mt Majura are in good company among other wineries and The Poachers Pantry, as well as The Essential Ingredient, will be bringing meats and cheeses to go with the wines. Come and meet the locals at East and for only $25.00, taste and hear a little about great food and wine in a relaxed atmosphere. Click here to grab your tickets now.
Canberra is in for a real summer of wine in the next month when many of our neighbouring wineries will take the Capital by storm, working together with all the creature comfort industries to bring us their best.
There has never been such a good excuse for a glass or two!
