I'm not going to receive one of my My Mothers Day presents until a whole three months after the day itself, but I couldn't be happier. Designing Daughter, who shares my love for a glass of bubbles, has purchased tickets for us for the second
Effervescence Champagne Festival to be held at
Spicers Hidden Vale on the weekend of 11 to 13 August 2017.
Image from event website
I don't know about you but I don't need any excuses to 'Celebrate everything champagne'. A glass of the bubbly stuff has long been my favourite tipple. There's something about all that straw-coloured sumptuousness, mellow mouthfeel, dry taste and darting bubbles that says 'good times in a glass'. And, if it can be enjoyed in beautiful surroundings, so much the better. That's where
Spicers Hidden Vale comes in. Nestled in 12,000 acres of bushland, it's a luxury retreat in Grandchester, a little more than an hour's drive from Brisbane.
Spicers Hidden Vale. Image from event website.
The festival, Australia's first ever champagne festival, is the brainchild of Amanda Reboul aka
The Bubble Diva. Brisbane-based Amanda is a champagne educator, a representative for some grower houses and tour leader for trips to Champagne.
Image from event website
There are two ways to enjoy this year's festival, one very accessible, one not quite so much.
1. VIP Packages
If money's no object you can enjoy a sophisticated full weekend of romantic accommodation, cocktail parties, long lunches, wine tastings, expert talks and much more. Packages start at $2195 per person.
2. The Champagne Trail
Spend your Sunday afternoon (from 2pm to 5.30pm) enjoying a champagne showcase by producers from the different regions of Champagne. Needless to say, this is the one I'm attending.
Your ticket ($120 per person) will allow you three hours of champagne tasting; bread, cheese and charcuterie; a Philippe Jamesse tasting flute; and a notebook to record your experiences. You can also enjoy a range of activities including boules (petanque).
Image from event website
For an extra $30 you won't have to worry about someone having to be the designated driver. Avail yourself of the buses that will transport festival goers from Roma Street Station (highly recommended - we're already booked). Buses leave at 12.45, 1pm and 1.15pm and will leave Spicers for the return journey at 5.30pm, 5.45pm and 6pm. Buses are also available from Gold Coast and Toowoomba.
Tickets are on sale now. You can
book online here and see the full transport details.
For further information visit the website
here and the Facebook page
here.
À votre santé!
Image by writer.