WINE & FOOD TOURISM

POSTED: 21 AUGUST 2010

Victoria's Pyrenees offers European style*

If you've a passion for European-style wine and food, indulge your senses at the second annual Pyrenees Escapade to be held at the Avoca Turf Club Function Centre, in central Victoria, on Sunday 31 October from 11am to 4pm.

About 20 winemakers from the historic Pyrenees wine region will showcase their exceptional red, white and sparkling delights at a rustic European-style “village square”, alongside boutique breweries and stalls offering locally grown produce such as olives, olive oil, preserves, sauces, pastes and verjuice.

 “This year there'll be an exclusive European Masterclass where participants will have the unique opportunity to taste, compare and discuss a selection of award-winning Pyrenees wines alongside French wines, including several from the 200-year-old M Chapoutier winery in the Rhone Valley,” said David Robson, president of the Pyrenees Grapegrowers and Winemakers Association.

M Chapoutier Australia recently purchased two vineyards in the Pyrenees.

A wine options challenge will enable wine enthusiasts to test their skills at wine identification.

Several wineries will offer delicious $10 tasting plates on the day. There'll also be heaps of entertainment such as a wandering minstrel, petanque and musical performances.

Entry is $20 per person and includes carry bag and wine-tasting glass for the free wine tastings. For more information or to book online, go to www.pyrenees.org.au or call 0408 414 660. Tickets to the European Masterclass are $40 per person and places are strictly limited.

Nearby Moonambel is celebrating its 150th birthday the same weekend, with fireworks, live theatre and family fun to be held at Moonambel Recreation Reserve on Saturday 30 October from 4pm.

Local wineries will continue the party on Monday 1 November, with several cellar doors offering special events such a French brunch and new-release tastings.

To mark the 150th running of the Melbourne Cup, the Avoca Turf Club is planning a special race day on Tuesday 2 November 2, with entertainment including traditional games and a re-enactment of how punters arrived at the country races 150 years ago.

For more information: www.visitvictoria.com

*Based on media release issued by the Pyrenees Grapegrowers and Winemakers Association.