Care for a taste of the sweet life? Then
La Dolce Vita is for you. Held on November 14th and 15th in the beautiful King Valley near Wangaratta, this indulgent weekend of Mediterranean and new release wines and fabulous food is sure to hit the sweet spot.
The picturesque region is world-renowned for a wide variety of both traditional and eclectic wines, including Riesling, Shiraz and more exotic varieties such as Grecanico, Arneis, and Marzemino. Then there are the Italian varietals including Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Barbera.
The indulgent weekend comprises superb events, tastings and visits to any of 13 participating wineries, including smaller boutique vineyards and the well-known
Pizzini wines and
Brown Brothers at Milawa, which is hosting a two-day food and wine festival.
If you're in the area, you must visit the mouthwatering
Milawa Cheese Factory & Cafe. Please have a piece of their award-winning Milawa Gold for me. The name says it all.)
You can plan your food and wine meanderings according to your whim. A six-course degustation lunch prepared by Circa Restaurant's Matt Wilkinson at
Chrismont is a definite highlight, while the Gnocchi Fiesta at Pizzini, which includes an enticing range of the pudgy, delightful potato dumplings cooked various ways, along with fresh seafood, sounds mighty magnificent.
The 13 participating wineries are: Boggy Creek Vineyards, Brown Brothers, Chrismont, Ciccone, Dal Zotto, Gracebrook Vineyards, King River Estate, La Cantina, Paul Bettio, Pizzini, Politini, Sam Miranda and Station Creek. Each has something special to offer.
A $10 La Dolce Vita tasting glass gives you plenty of tastings at the wineries, while special events are priced accordingly.
I'd make a weekend of it. There's too much to see, do and, of course, taste! Click
here for accommodation options.
