Just chillin’

just chillin' MUNARI, ‘IL FRESCO’ VERMENTINO 2020 - HEATHCOTE

The warm summer days and evenings are perfect for enjoying a drop or two of these local creations.

By Ashley Raeburn - Restaurant Manager - Alium Dining

TURNERS CROSSING, VIOGNIER 2019 - BENDIGO

A very understated varietal, originating from the Rhone Valley in France, Viognier has found its home in certain regions of Australia and is growing in popularity. The team at Turners Crossing have produced a fantastic example, proving to be very moreish. Shows an enticing mid golden colour in the glass with delectable aromas of freshly picked apricots and summer peaches with subtle hints of vanilla and spice. Rich and textural with those summer stone fruits blossoming throughout the palate with touches of orange blossom and honey leading to a rounded, long finish. Try with prawn laksa or pork belly banh mi with fresh chilli. Located just north of the Heathcote township, Munari Wines has certainly built an extremely impressive reputation when it comes to classical Heathcote red wines. The cellar door which is open seven days a week (bookings preferred) is situated in the former stables of a 1870’s homestead offer a unique area in which to taste the fantastic array of wines which include a Prosecco imported from Veneto and produced by another Munari family known to be distant relatives, Vermentino (read more below) and of course, excellent examples of Heathcote Shiraz and Cabernet. Vermentino – a varietal native to Sardinia and Liguria has shown it thrives in the Heathcote region. This is a fantastic representation of the classic Mediterranean wines with fresh aromas of lemon pith, lime juice showing leading into a palate that combines citrus flavours, crisp pear and hints of salinity combining beautifully with the crisp acidity and minerality. One could simply close their eyes and imagine the sun shining and the waves lapping at their feet. The refreshing and long lasting finish makes it easy to reach for another glass. Look no further than freshly peeled prawns as an excellent pairing or fried zucchini flowers stuffed with goat’s cheese.

MANDURANG VALLEY, SHIRAZ 2018 - BENDIGO

Shiraz in summer may seem like a bit of an odd choice but there a plenty of occasions where a delicious glass of red is required, and this certainly fits the bill. 2018 was an excellent year for Shiraz in the Bendigo wine region and here shows vibrancy in colour, with aromas of rich blood plum, raspberries and blackberries all coming to the fore. Palate is rich with dark fruit flavours being compliments with faint hints of liquorice and spice. Tannin structure is slowly softening leading to a lengthy, mouth filling finish. Pair with a rack of lamb cooked medium rare or a sneaky glass with some quality dark chocolate after dark. Also a fantastic gift for the red wine enthusiast. SANDHURST RIDGE, SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018 - BENDIGO

Wanting a change from the from the archetypical New Zealand Sav Blanc? Then look no further than this excellent example from Sandhurst Ridge. With a pale straw green colour, the enticing nose of fresh citrus and pineapple draw you to the glass. Quite textural due to barrel fermentation in French oak, flavours such as guava, passionfruit and pineapple are dominant along with underlying citrus elements. Crisp acidity helps build to a lengthy dry finish. A beautiful wine for the summer months and it’s style certainly lends itself to Asian inspired dishes or a classic goat’s cheese and asparagus frittata.

LOCAL MUSIC, THE RIGHT NOTE

Twenty local bands took to the stage to perform at the Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival’s Live ‘n Local concert at the Garden for the Future.

The full day of entertainment was a triumphant return for live music after a COVID-enforced hiatus. And not even a splash of rain could dampen the celebration.

Courtney, Charlie, Parker, Matt and Hunter Layfield Vadim Vintonenko and Gregory Brown

MARKET FUN AT MALDON

The Maldon Market is a popular destination for regional market-goers, offering a range of homemade or home-grown goods and produce. In November, the market turned eight!

And the crowds came out to celebrate, heading to the charming historic town to mark the occasion.

Dusty, Samara, Chris and Sylvie Scarlett Fiona, May and Mark McPherson

Phil Green and Colleen Garsed Ron and Finlay Harris, Fiona Stewart and Keeley Harris

Cellar Door Open Daily 11am-5pm (except Good Friday & Christmas Day) Taste and Purchase Current and Older Vintages | Boutique Accommodation Now Available

Beau, Emma, Nate and Clint Shepherd Casey, Olivia and Tim Reid

Eva Burtonclay and Sebastian Andrea-Ross

Renae Irwin and Kianna Mitchell Janice and Cristi Deocampo and Sylvie

Terina Pickering and Mili Thurgood

ENJOYMENT AFTER SUNDOWN

A great range of handicrafts, produce and delicious food was on offer at the Outdoor Twilight Market at Bendigo Showgrounds.

Local musos brought the tunes and the crowd was happy to rug up on a cool night to browse the stalls and sample some tasty treats.

VISIT THE GUAN YIN TEMPLE

RECENTLY REFURBISHED AND ONE OF BENDIGO’S HIDDEN TREASURES