By CAITLIN MCARTHUR
MARYSVILLE’S annual sparkling wine show was back in town this past week with more wine and a slightly different focus.
The Australian Sparkling Wine Show has been credited with helping to revive the town from the devastation of the 2009 bushfires, encouraging tourism and interest in the region.
Trudi Ackerman of the show’s marketing committee said the event was the only one of its kind nationally.
“There are other wine events nationally but The Australian Sparkling Wine Show is the only one dedicated to sparkling wine specifically,” Ms Ackerman said.
This is the show’s fifth year running and Ms Ackerman said it was local businesses which were the reason for its success.
“Marysville has some fantastic wines which are produced locally, the small wineries really drove this event from the start,” Ms Ackerman said.
This year she said the show had turned its focus towards the wine industry, rather than just the general public.
“The festival used to be held on Cup Day, following last year it’s turned more towards a purely wine industry event”, Ms Ackerman said.
In line with the shift the show was rebranded from the Marysville Sparkling Wine festival to the Australian Sparkling Wine Show.
Despite the change in tack Ms Ackerman said the event remained a community one.
“It (the show) really is a very community led event … everyone on the committee is a resident of Marysville. It gives businesses and local residents a sense of ownership,” Ms Ackerman said.
The show ran from 21 to 28 October with events tailored to both the general community and those involved in the wine industry.
The wine show judging took place on 21 October, at the new clubrooms of the Marysville Golf and Bowls club. The number of wines entered into the competition increase every year, with a variety of local product.
Top level barrister Major General Greg Melick was the chief judge this year while International Champagne Writer of the Year 2011 Tyson Stelzer hosted the master class.
The annual Business Breakfast was held at the Black Spur Inn on 23 October. The breakfast featured Olympic aerial skier David Morris and CEO of Belgravia Leisure Nick Cox as guest speakers.
A community tasting evening was held on 22 October at the Marysville Caravan and Holiday Park. The tasting featured wines from the judging the previous day.
More information is available at australiansparklingwineshow.com.au
