Yarra Valley Alternative Varieties

The next Regional Wine Showcase to held in Fed square Melbourne will be the Yarra Valley region. Although this region is dominated by the use of classic varieties Pinot Noir and Chardonnay bcked up by Cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, Merlot and Sauvignon blanc, there are quite a few wineries using alternative varieties.

In fact when I recently updated my Yarra Valley page I noted that over 40 wineries are doing something interesting variety wise. There are quite few with pinot gris, the rhone white varieties and a couple with Italian varieties.

See what you think

Vinodiversity's page on the yarra Valley

Braised Lamb Shanks with Basil Mash and Parmesan Crisps to accompany Grenache

Lamb shanks are on the menu at many restaurants these days. They are easy to cook at home if you just remember to take them slowly. As for food paring with lamb shanks, let me suggest a nice bottle of Grenache, or a grenache based blend form the Barossa Valley. Use the link below to get a recipe suggested by Kalleske Wines.

Here is a recipe from the Albarino to Zinfandel Guide for Braised Lamb Shanks with Basil Mash and Parmesan Crisps

The long lunch at AAVWS

The Awards Presentations at the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show takes place at a long lunch. The gold medal winners from the previous year are served with specially matched courses.

I have put the menu for the 2006 AAVWS Long Lunch, with the 2005 Gold medalists onto my new Albarino to Zinfandel Food Pairing Site

Check it out and see what you missed!

AAVWS 2006 results

The Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show was held last week in Mildura and the results announced on Saturday. The big surprise was that so few Pinot gris/grigios were given medals, while the young tempranillos were very successful.


See my comments about the AAVWS 2006 results

Broken Earth bites the dust

Broken Earth was a large Riverland winery who became overcapitalised in the heady days at the start of this decade. The finacial strain has been too much and they have finally broken.. excuse the pun, so the wine is being sold off at glut prices.



We have some for sale thru the Vinodiversity Wine Club, so see what you fancy, Petit Verdot (a top performer in warm regions!) Verdelho (ditto) Cabernet, Merlot, Shiraz and Chardy for your less discerning mates.

2 for 1 offer on already discounted price.

AAVWS Wine Show Events

I'm off to the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show this weekend. Seminars, tastings, and the awards long lunch. And most important talking to the innovative winemakers about what the future holds for alternative varieties.

I willpost an article with the results next week.

AAVWS Wine Show Events

Budburst Festival Wine Celebration

The annual Macedon Ranges Budburst Festival will be held over the weekend of 18 to 19 of November.


There are events at many wineries and other venues throughout Saturday and Sunday. Gardens and scenic beuty abound in an are just to the North of Melbourne... See you there!

Details of Budburst Festival Wine Celebration

Orange Wine Region

All of the Orange Wine Region in New South Wales is above the 600 metre contour line, hence it enjoys a cool climate. It is one of the most promising wine regions in the State.

Vinodiversity article on the Orange Wine Region