WINE TIME Here’s everything going down at NSW Wine Month this November
BY: Kartya Vucetic
Ladies and gentlemen, if you hadn’t already noticed, the silly season is officially upon us. The weather is warming up, the house parties are in full swing, and there’s just some festive feeling in the air.
So it should be no surprise that NSW Wine Month is now also here, and it really couldn’t be better timing. The month long festivities have all been curated for the sole purpose of smashing ancient myths that the blue state can’t, in fact, make good wine. And after personally attending the launch night at The Cut just a few weeks ago, I’m here to personally confirm that us locals make a damn good tipple.
After all, there’s nothing like proving a point than hosting an entire, month-long festival. And boy, are we all in for a treat.
Frankly, you’ve got events, activations and tastings up to your eyeballs this month. You can catch the full program here. But for those less patient, we’ve compiled our very own list of NSW Wine Month’s highlights. You’re welcome.
Sydney Cellar Door
Image: The Rocks
Our top pick has to go to the Sydney Cellar Door event. Happening across the second weekend of November, over 40 NSW wineries are banding together in Circular Quay to deliver what might possibly be the ultimate wine crawl. The two-day festival will see our local winemakers showcase some of their best farm to glass tipples, proving once again that you don’t need to travel far for a good sip.
- WHEN: Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 November
- WHERE: First Fleet Park and Tallawoladah Lawn
- HOW MUCH: Free entry
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Margan’s Pop Up Cellar Door at Chiswick
Image: @chiswickwoollahra
Naturally, Woollahra’s beloved Chiswick is also getting in and amongst the action this month. On Thursday 14 November, the restaurant will be hosting Ollie Margan from Margan Vineyard on the lawn for the ultimate pop up cellar door experience. In addition to tipples of the Hunter Valley drop, you’ll be able to savour some delicious snacks from the Chiswick home gardens and the Margan kitchen. It’ll be bougie, garden party vibes for sure.
- WHEN: Thursday 14 November, 4pm to 7pm
- WHERE: Chiswick Restaurant, Woollahra
- HOW MUCH: Free to book
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Blue Door’s NSW Wine Long Lunches Series
Image: Supplied
Why try one local wine when you can have three? Thank god Blue Door in Surry Hills gets it. On Sunday 17 November, they’re opening it’s doors to three Hunter Valley winemakers to showcase some of their best produce. Chef Dylan will be hosting a family style, long table lunch featuring whole fish, beef, pork, salads and the lot. It’s on the pricier side, but you can be guaranteed bottomless plates and glasses. You’ll want to come hungry for this one.
- WHEN: Sunday 17 November, 12:30pm to 4pm
- WHERE: Blue Door, Surry Hills
- HOW MUCH: $220
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Tractorless Vineyard’s Regenerative Degustation Dinner
Image: Australian Wine Magazine
Yet another opportunity to gorge yourself, this one’s bound to impress a date. Surry Hills’ Blue Door is also hosting Southern Highlands-based Tractorless Vineyard for a multi-course menu with paired wines. As the vineyard is known for its regenerative farming practices, you’ll also get the opportunity to learn about sustainable farming, reducing carbon miles and promoting eco-friendly sourcing. Oh, and there will be lamb. Lots of it.
- WHEN: Wednesday 20 November, 6:30pm to 10:30pm
- WHERE: Blue Door, Surry Hills
- HOW MUCH: $200
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Brokenwood Banquet at Luna Lu
Image: Luna Lu
There’s nothing quite look a good ol’ fashioned freebie, and Luna Lu is no exception. This month, they’re throwing in a free bottle of Brokenwood wine with every banquet ordered. To claim, you’ll have to book for a Monday through Thursday and muster together at least three other mates. The banquet menu starts at $99, so it’s kind of a cracking deal if you ask me.
- WHEN: Monday to Thursday in November
- WHERE: Luna Lu, The Rocks
- HOW MUCH: From $99
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
High Altitude Wine at Sydney Tower’s Bar 83
Image: Daily Architecture News
Call it touristy, but there’s something about Bar 83 that will always hold a special place in our hearts. Perhaps it’s the 70’s pornstar-themed decor, but it’s more likely the fact that it has literally unrivalled views of the entire city. So if you’re looking for an excuse to pop in this month, be it this. For just $39, you’ll be able to enjoy East 33 Sydney Rock Oysters and a glass of Orange’s very own Philip Shaw ‘Edinburgh’ Sparkling. Bubbles, oysters and a spanking view? I’ll leave it there.
- WHEN: All November
- WHERE: Bar 83, Sydney Tower
- HOW MUCH: $39 per person
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
NSW Wine Citywide Promotions
Image: Woollahra Hotel
We couldn’t finish this article without a special nod to the many venues in Sydney who are also hosting in-house happy hour specials in celebration of the month. NSW wines have historically only made up 12% of local wine lists, and that’s something that these venues are here to change. And while each are running their own unique promotions, special mentions go to Song Kitchen, Woollahra Hotel, The Porterhouse Hotel, ESQ @ QVB and Kelly’s on King.
- WHEN: All November
- WHERE: Various locations
- HOW MUCH: Varies
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
