WINE MASTERS: Donna Paterson from Yering Station, Punt Road winemaker Kate Goodman, Sue Pyle from McWilliams Lilydale Estate, Five Oaks winemaker Wally Zuk, Anna Aldridge from Yarra Valley Wine Network and Evelyn County winemaker Robyn Male.By DION TEASDALE
YARRA Valley Wine Network has been hosting regular wine master classes in the heart of the Yarra Valley for the past 12 months.
Hosted in the fivestar surrounds of the historical Chateau Yering House on the Melba Highway in Yering, the popular master classes offer locals and visitors alike the chance to savour and learn about the wines of the Yarra Valley.
Yarra Valley Wine Network administrator Anna Aldridge said the master classes invite wine enthusiasts to taste wine, talk with winemakers and discover the secrets of winemaking.
“The sit down themed classes meet a growing demand to get up close and personal with leading winemakers,” she said.
“Classes are conducted in a relaxed atmosphere with guests encouraged to interact with winemakers and ask everything they have wanted to know about wine.”
Ms Aldridge said the educational wine classes, which include tastings of up to nine wines from different Yarra Valley wineries, cover a wide range of topics including The Elegance of Yarra Valley Chardonnay, Stunning Shiraz and The Influence of Oak on Wine.
The next master class, to be held this Sunday, 21 August, has the title, Classic Cabernet and its Brother Merlot, and will examine how classic Bordeaux varieties perform in the Yarra Valley.
The following month’s master class, to be held on Sunday, 18 September, will focus on Yarra Valley Pinot Noir and involve an analysis of why the valley’s cool climate produces some of the nation’s best Pinot.
Held in the same location as the Yarra Valley Regional Farmers’ market, the classes cost $40 per person and include wines, tuition, crackers, coffee and a free tasting glass valued at $15. For bookings and further information, phone 5962 4800 or email promo yarravalleywine.com.
