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Kick off summer in style at Wine Island, Canberra. From Friday, December 2, to Saturday, December 3, Queen Elizabeth II Island (previously known as Aspen Island) on Lake Burley Griffin will be transformed into a wine lover’s paradise.
The island’s iconic Carillon will be surrounded by cellar door experiences presented by winemakers from the Hunter Valley, McLaren Vale, King Valley, Coonawarra, Alpine Valley, Clare Valley, Orange and Canowindra.
Canberra winemakers will be well represented too, with Mount Majura Vineyard, Contentious Character, Sholto Wines and Lark Hill all participating, alongside local brewery, BentSpoke, and local distiller, Big River.
Gourmet food will be available from Olleyville by Create (cheese and charcuterie platters, tacos, dessert), Grease Monkey (burgers) and Olive at Hawker (Mediterranean).
If you’re dreaming of an overseas escape, dip your toes in the sand at the Greek Beach Club featuring wine, beer and ouzo from Drink Greek, then dance it all off with DJ Charlie Villas who will set the paradise vibes high. There’ll be a tropical vibe to the whole occasion with guests encouraged to wear tropical dress.
Wine Selectors will present its very popular wine education masterclasses, where you can pit your inner vino detective against other guests to reveal mystery wines with clues from the professionals. Sessions include Pop ‘n’ Pink (Sparkling White, Sparkling Rosé, Rosé); Battles of the Whites (3 white varietals); Masked Reds (3 red varietals); and Sip ‘n’ Tell (2 white varietals, 1 red varietal).
If you fancy yourself as an artist, there’ll be Pinot & Picasso classes so that you can create your own painting with guidance from a professional. Discover more about Canberra’s Big River Distilling Co at their gin classes or stretch it out with Yoga + Unwined on the beach.
Wine Island aims to deliver a first-class experience, free from crowds with a very limited number of spots available for each session so that guests can take their time interacting with winemakers. Relaxed seating areas will provide deluxe spaces for everyone to ‘drink in’ the festival atmosphere.
Ticket information: www.frontiertouring.com
