Canberra does winter very well. Crisp blue skies, a chill wind, snow off in the distance on the peaks of the Brindabellas. It’s a time to venture outside to feel, well, invigorated. At the same time there’s nothing like curling up in front of a fire, with a glass of red, or sharing a meal with a group of friends, a meal where it’s OK for it to stretch out well into the afternoon because it’s too cold outside to do anything else.
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Which is why the Fireside Festival is perfectly timed.
Running from August 18 to September 2 (and anyone with any local knowledge knows that September, the first month of Spring, can be frightfully cold), the Fireside Festival is about enjoying the best of the season, and the region.
From award-winning food and wine, to music, to meeting the makers, there’s something for everyone during the two-week program.
The festival will start informally on August 18, with a wine-tasting experience at New Acton, with the Cellar Door experience.
The Canberra District Wine Industry Association has been hosting these for a few weeks now with great success, bringing the country to the city, with wine makers and growers on hand to chat.
From there, there’s a range of things not to miss. Here’s a few highlights.
Here piggy piggy
Head out to Contentious Character at Wamboin, where chef Tom Stoneham will roast a whole pig, South American style with all the accompaniments including a glass of their pinot gris or pinot noir. They’ll still be serving up the delicious wood-fired pizzas too.
Friday, August 24. $40 adults, $20 children. Book at contentiouscharacter.com.au
I’m on fire
Sarah and Anthony McDougall of Lake George Winery might see this one as informal house warming - literally. Previously operating the Summerhill Road label out of Bywong, the pair took over at Lake George in mid July. To welcome everyone to their new home they’re hosting their very first bonfire with a “Burning of the Barrel” event.
Saturday, August 25. $60 adults includes woodfired pizza and wine tasting. $30 children includes pizza, dessert and activities. Bookings essential.
If music be the food of love ...
Out at Tallagandra Hill chef Bella Jakubiak, who won My Kitchen Rules in 2011, will be cooking for a lunch hosted by owners David Faulks and Mary McAvoy. There’ll be live music from George Huitker and his Junk Sculpture band, who love a good cover mixed in with their original sound. There’s plenty of room for the kids to run around, and a neat little playground, so bring the whole family.
Sunday, August 26, from 1-3pm. Bookings essential and lunch off the regular menu.
Every day is Father’s Day
Pankhurst Wines at Wallaroo are holding wine tastings on each weekend of the festival, culminating with a special Father’s Day celebration on September 2. That afternoon they’ll raid the cellars for some older vintages for a special tasting. So grab dad, sit around the open fire outside and sample a few exceptional wines, matched with platters of fiery chilli cheese, smoked cheese and chilli chocolate.
Sunday, September 2, from 10am-5pm.
In the city
Let the food and wine come to you with a dinner at The Boat House, featuring wines from Mount Majura Vineyard and Collector Wines. Start with canapes by the fireplace then onto a five course degustation featuring both Alex McKay and Frank Van de Loo’s wines side by side. The dinner will include a range of both white and red wines while showcasing shiraz including blends, current releases and the best part of the night will be tasting a back vintage of shiraz from both wineries. McKay and Van de Loo are digging into their cellars for one night only and will be on hand to talk about the wines.
Thursday, August 30, from 6.30pm. Tickets $170, bookings essential.
More samplings
* Book the Barrel at Lerida Estate in Collector and enjoy a cheese plate and two glasses of shiraz viognier for $35.
* At Gundog Estate in Gundaroo, enjoy a glass of liquid gold muscat paired with the desserts from Grazing. $25, from noon til 4pm.
* Mulled wine and pizza is on offer at Four Winds Vineyard in Murrumbateman each weekend during the festival. $8 for the wine, $15 for the pizza.
* Meet the winemakers of Bungendore at an intimate event at The George Bar and Dining. September 1, from noon til 4pm. $10, tickets at the door.
Full details and more at canberrawines.com.au
