This is the second instalment of Lucy and Chris’ trip to the King Valley region for the La Dolce Vita Food & Wine Festival. To read Part 1, click here.
Lucy rolled over lazily at the sound of noises in the room. Slowly opening her eyes, she watched through the bright morning light as Chris hung up the phone and turned towards her.
“Time to get moving, Captain Sleepyhead! Breakfast is on the way.”
…..
By mid-morning, and following the directions as per Lucy’s itinerary, the pair pulled up at Chrismont Winery , high up on Old King River Road and looking down through the valley. “Ah, Chrismont!” said Chris excitedly. “You know what these guys do well?”
“Yep! Prosecco… and it’s the perfect way to prepare for our lunch further down the river.”
Before long they were in the hands of Chrismont’s winemaker, Warren Proft. Importantly, a sample of the new release Prosecco was in theirs, and their glasses clinked as they toasted the first treat of the day. As Warren talked them through the current vintage, they chatted with the growing crowd, comparing notes and snacking on cheese, they watched the band set up ready for a big afternoon.
“We’ve got to go soon,” Lucy noted as she checked her watch. Chris nodded in acquiescence, already settling into the relaxed feel of the day.
“Yep, let’s do it.”
…..
All seats were booked for Italian Rustica Extravaganza at Sam Miranda just outside of Oxley. As the couple walked through the door, they were surprised to see Sam himself. “Are you here for the lunch?” he asked. Lucy simply smiled, giving away her excitement through bright and shining eyes.
“Cool crowd,” said Chris as they took their seats. “It’s a really mixed bunch.” True enough foodies from 20 to 70 years old filled the dining room, looking to make the most of a long lunch. And why wouldn’t you? A seven-course lunch filled with big Italian flavours and matching wines is hard to go past.
“So… what do you think of the menu?” asked Lucy.
“Um… I just saw the Head-to-Tail Tuscan Pork. I don’t think I ever want to leave!”
…..
With lunch finished and new friends made, it was time to make a move out into the mid-afternoon. “So, Boss. Where too next?” asked Chris, not even contemplating walking over to the car.
Lucy gestured down the road ”Next stop is a bit of a stroll but, well… that was a big lunch.”
An hour later they found themselves in the great expanse of Brown Brothers Winery near Milawa. The gardens outside the cellar door were filled with activity as locals and visitors enjoyed the large range of current wines on offer, as well as a few of the more unusual selections from older vintages. There was more food on offer, with pop-up bars, tapas and food & wine parings occurring across the property.
“Are you ready for more?” Chris enquired, feeling energised by the walk and ready to check out some of the local produce.
Lucy simply laughed. “Sure am… although I probably shouldn’t be!”
“Ha! You’ll be fine. Anyway, what better way to spend a day?”
Lucy nodded. “Absolutely… and we haven’t even started the night!”
