August is the time for glass of local wine

Welcome to the August edition of the Canberra District Wine Industry Association’s enewsletter. Read on this month about new wine releases and award wins, news from our cellar doors, upcoming events and activities, as well as interesting tidbits from our region’s skilled winemakers.

So go and grab a glass of your favourite local drop and read up!

Cheers,
Canberra District Wine Industry Association

Join us by the Fireside throughout August

It’s August and we're warming up for the 2011 Fireside Festival. The region's artists, winemakers, hosts and chefs will be showcasing a great line up of events and experiences throughout the whole month.

Highlights still to come include the Poachers Fireside Degustation Dinners on each Friday night, Trivia Nights at Shaw Vineyard Estate each Wednesday night and Sunday afternoon live music at Gundaroo Colonial Inn.

There’s plenty of other great treats available throughout the entire month.

For more information visit www.firesidefestival.com.au

Two wineries set to 'grow' after funding boost

Two of the region’s wineries – Four Winds Vineyard and Mount Majura Vineyard – are set to expand their offerings to visitors after receiving Federal Government funding through the TQUAL grants program.

Announced on 26 July, the wineries were amongst the 117 tourism projects across Australia to receive funding, which reinforces the value of cellar door experiences in our region.

Four Winds Vineyard will be building a 'sustainble' cellar door with the design almost finalised, and Mount Majura Vineyard will develop a Terroir Garden to add to their cellar door experience.  We will keep you up to date with the development of both of these projects as they 'grow'.

You can read the full story in the Canberra Times online

(Image:  Canberra Times)

Floriade set to deliver a 'Feast for the Senses'

Take in Australia’s celebration of spring as the aromas waft from the garden beds and beyond, from 17 September to 16 October at Commonwealth Park.

This year’s Floriade theme, A feast for the senses, will set the scene for spectacular entertainment, horticultural delights and a smorgasbord of activities for the whole family.

Be intrigued by the inspired garden bed designs; captivated by the artistic entertainment; fascinated with the engaging exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops; enjoy fun kids’ activities and be enchanted by the beautiful ambience of Floriade NightFest.

Keep an eye out for Canberra District Wines making an appearance on the Floriade 'Menu'.

Grazing in a new paddock at Gundaroo

The award-winning Grazing restaurant in Gundaroo is now under new management. Kurt and Tania Neumann have taken over from Tom and Crystal Moore who are planning a move to Canada.

Kurt was formerly the Head Chef at Canberra’s famed restaurant, Courgette, and has already made his mark with a delicious new menu whilst retaining the restaurant’s focus on Canberra region food and wines.

Grazing is currently open for lunch Friday to Sunday and most public holidays, and dinner Thursday to Saturday.  The new menu is available online at www.grazing.com.au

Tasting Australia's best Tempranillo across the country

Since last year Mount Majura Vineyard has joined with five other leading Australian Tempranillo producers to present tasting workshops for the trade and media, promoting awareness and understanding of our favourite variety.

This year they have added several consumer events to the program. All six winemakers will be in attendance at these events that are coming up.

Wednesday 10th August - Dinner at Era Bistro, BRISBANE

Thursday 11th August - Dinner at Fins, KINGSCLIFF

Sunday 25th September 2pm – 4pm: Tempra Neo Workshop , Mount Majura Vineyard Cellar Door.

The full TempraNeo tasting workshop will be presented with all the TempraNeo winemakers in attendance so this is sure to be a great way to soak up their knowledge, philosophies and love of Tempranillo.

Get all the info and booking detail at the TEMPRAEO website

Helm Wines new releases add to Australia's best riesling line up

Helm Wines have just released their 2011 Rieslings .The new releases in include Helm’s Classic Dry 2011 and Half Dry 2011 - both wines are excellent examples of the high quality expected from Helm.

The Classic Dry Riesling 2011 with 11.5% alcohol is clean, fresh, and showing tropical fruit characters, balanced with acid.  A great example of disease free fruit, harvested at perfect balance, producing a wonderful Riesling.  The Riesling Half Dry 2011 10.8% alcohol is fresh, clean and fruity, with a touch of residual sugar, but finishing dry.

And Sally Easton MW has given a huge wrap to Helm Wines. Sally is one of just 290 Masters of Wine in the world and she’s just published an article in the UK where she said “Helm Wines produced the tastiest Australian Rieslings that I’ve come across”. Sally visited Helm last year on a visit sponsored by Wine Australia.

Visit the Helm Wines website for all the latest releases

Truffles on the menu for winter weekends at Crisps Lane Cafe

The delightful Crisps Lane Cafe, located at Yass Valley Wines on Crisps Lane in Murrumbateman, is currently open on weekends dining. 

Truffles are back on the plates and visitors can taste some mid-winter magic throughout the truffle season, with truffle in just about everything on the winter menu.

For more information visit the Yass Valley Wines website

Did you know?

The range in temperature, vineyard elevations, soil types and the careful influence of the winemaker’s skill and individual character help to shape the refined, unique qualities of the Canberra district wines.

“Just a quick skip outside of our Capital city lies premium wine country. This tightly packed region is full of renowned producers and wines of consistently high quality”.

Nick Stock, Gourmet Traveller Wine April/May 2011