Sponsored by Wines of the King Valley.
It’s the perfect time of year.
The tree’s are blossoming, days are getting longer and lighter, and events and fun things seem to popping up into our calendars, filling up our weekends before Christmas!
Around this time last year, I was in the process of organising the ultimate girls weekend getaway to the King Valley Wine Region for a weekend of delicious Italian food and wine, at their annual La Dolce Vita Wine & Food Festival.
Sadly, I won’t be able to attend this year, but I really wanted to share with you this years program, and some of the highlights from our trip last year, because it was just so much FUN!
Situated just three hours from Melbourne, and only four from Canberra, The King Valley Wine Region has one of the greatest concentrations of varieties of any wine region in Australia.
They combine Italian heritage and cool climate viticultural styles to produce wines of finesse.
Located in the North East of Victoria, the King Valley follows the King River. This region is absolutely thriving, and it is one of the highest altitude grape growing regions in Australia.
It’s a region that is a leader in alternative wines, especially Italian styles like Arneis, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese and more recently, Prosecco.
In Spring, the winemaking families of the King Valley open their cellar doors to warmly welcome friends old and new for the La Dolce Vita Wine & Food Festival.
This two day festival is an opportunity for Italian food & wine lovers to drink in the big, blue skies, mountain views and lush green vineyards of the region in Spring.
It’s an opportunity for you to visit the many talented wineries of the region and enjoy a weekend out in the sunshine!
Top Picks for the 2019 Program
Whether you’re planning on heading to Brown Brothers, Dal Zotto, Darling Estate, King River Estate, La Cantina, Pizzini, Politini, Sam Miranda or Symphonia during the festival – you’ll find plenty of wine, food and activities at each of these wineries.
Here are my top picks for each location across the 2 day festival.
Brown Brothers
Prosecco Pods and Prosecco Lounge: Enjoy a private space for you and your crew to enjoy the day (we went in one of these and it was amazing!) Bookings essential.
Shades of Rosé Walking Workshop: With wine ambassador Andrew Harris – wander through the winery and taste rosé along the way.
Brown family Wine Options Challenge: Test your wine knowledge against the Brown Brothers family & win prizes and bragging rights (if you win of course!).
Dal Zotto
Helicopter Joy Rides: see the stunning vistas around the property.
Prosecco Fishing: hook a bottle of Dal Zotto Prosecco and keep what you catch!
Prosecco Nights: cocktails, food & wine – with DJ Emmillion on the decks from 4pm-7pm on the Saturday
Darling Estate
Free tastings: of estate-grown wine, including special back vintages, and new releases.
Refreshing wine spritzers, live music and activities for the kids too!
King River Estate
Free Tastings: of traditional and alternative varieties from two sister estates.
Italian Street Food Pop Up: by Taste Trekkers.
La Cantina
Delicious Food: Antipasti, lunch and desserts from family favourite recipes such as lasagne and arancini, with tiramisu, cassata or adffogato to finish.
Free Tastings: from the range of wines made in a traditional Tuscan manner.
Markets: under the trees, featuring local produce, handmade goods and espresso coffee.
Pizzini
Free Tastings: of the Pizzini and Lana ranges of Italian style wines, including fresh new release whites and the inaugural Teroldego.
Delicious Food: House-made gnocchi, lasagne, calamari and more!
Fun Competitions: Gnocchi rolling and wine spitting competitions.
Politini
Delicious Food: Lunch at Nonna’s – Sicilian inspired menu including Nonna’s arancini & Mediterranean seafood platters.
Fun For The Kids: Soccer pitch and nets for kids to run around, as well as an arts & craft tent.
Live Music: Duo Scott Solimo & Amanda play popular music from the 80’s, 90’s and now
Sam Miranda
Spritz Your Own Prosecco: at ‘Ill Carello’, a refurbished street cart that offers a range of fresh fruits, syrups and sorbet to add to premium Sam Miranda Prosecco.
Free Tastings: of selected Sam Miranda wines including Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, Arneir, Verduzzo, and new release Prosato.
Wine & Cheese: matching session with Sam Miranda and Donovan Jacka from Tolpuddle Goat’s Cheese.
Symphonia
Lawn games, free tastings of single vineyard alternative varietal wines and more!
Click here to view the full festival program.
I seriously wish I was heading back to this festival again this year (sadly with work commitments it’s just not possible), but trust me when I say that if you’re looking to head to the La Dolce Vita Festival – you seriously will not forget it (my friends and I certainly didn’t!).
Purchase your tickets for the event here.
Festival tickets include access to participating wineries, entertainment, free wine tastings and either a Spiegelau tasting glass (drinkers) or reusable water bottle (non-drinkers).
Photography by Beechworth Photographers.
