Champagne’s involved? I’ll be there in a Prosecco!
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you probably know that champagne has its very own global day, right?
Get ready to say cheers to International Champagne Day on Saturday, October 22…don’t make any pour decisions as we celebrate all things bubbles. Born in 2009, this day was the initiative of a Californian blogger and wine tutor, Chris Oggenfus.
It’s true, champagne is only from France and can only be from the Champagne region – but that doesn’t mean you can’t partake in some of Australia’s best sparkling wines to mark the occasion.
Here are four of our favourites to make your day sparkle:
Synonymous with elegance and refinement, Clover Hill Vineyard in Lebrina is one of Australia's very few premium sparkling wine producers in the traditional method. Established in 1986 on the site of an old dairy farm in North-eastern Tasmania, Clover Hill has a reputation for uncompromising quality, which has been recognised with awards like twice being awarded the state's vineyard of the year.
Crafting wines of quality from traditional varieties of champagne – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier – stop in with friends and enjoy a glass of Clover Hill Cuvée while grazing on Tasmanian oysters.
Discover the award-winning wines of the Mornington Peninsula’s winemaking pioneers at a cellar door experience like no other at Crittenden Wines on Harrisons Road in Dromona. A must-stop for wine lovers, the newly refurbished Wine Centre offers seated tastings indoors and alfresco on the terrace with an expert team tailoring an experience to suit individual interests.
Try the NV Geppetto Brut with a fresh lively nose and strawberry fruits from the Pinot Noir and zesty lemons from the Chardonnay; why not celebrate in style on Saturday and stay the night in one of the estate’s Lakeside Villas?
Located at Modewarre in the hinterland of Great Ocean Road, Brown Magpie Wines on Larcombes Road handcrafts some of Geelong’s most highly reputed cool climate wines. Named after the rare brown and white magpies that live onsite, the property consists of 20 hectares on a gentle north-facing slope, sheltered by Cypress trees; all grapes are hand-picked to produce red, white and sparkling wines, which are a true reflection of the vineyard.
Drop by the cellar door to sample drops such as the 2018 Loretta Sparkling Blanc de Blanc – a cool climate sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir, that is creamy, refreshing and luxurious on the palate; best enjoyed with dishes such as lobster or a shared seafood platter.
Find the lush sweeping landscapes of Preston Peak Wines cellar door and function centre just ten minutes out of Toowoomba on Preston Peak Lane. Perched at a stunning elevated position above the Great Dividing Range and Lockyer Valley, the estate boasts 330 hectares of vineyard and land, providing an extensive panorama over the surrounding region, well suited to hosting special occasions.
Don’t leave without trying the Wild Flower Brut – a sparkling wine light straw in colour, crystal clear with a fine persistent bead. The bouquet displays stone fruit characteristics along with citrus notes, while the palate is soft, creamy and flavoursome.
