The six teams vying for supremacy in the second annual Baptism of Fire winemaking competition are a cheeky blend of hospitality professionals and blogging and social media mavens.
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St Ali's Matt Perger and Salvatore Malatesta, wine bar duo Meg Power and Jacqueline Turner, from Bellota, and Rockpool sommelier Wiremu Andrews, who has teamed with Jess Ho, are among a dozen first-time winemakers on a quest to make the best 2014 shiraz.
The teams have been hard at work: they have had access to grapes from Yarra Valley and Grampians vineyards; mentoring from industry gurus including Steve Webber, Mac Forbes and Matt Harrop; and the use of facilities at some of Victoria's top wineries - De Bortoli, Mac Forbes and Bindi.
Their creations are not due for release until spring, but if you fancy a preview, head to the CBD's recently revived Savoy Tavern next Monday, August 4. After a trade preview, there will be a public tasting at 6pm ($10 plus booking fee), then an auction from 7pm, with winning bidders securing the right to receive the packaged product in October. Part of the proceeds go to SecondBite. Bookings: eventbrite.com.
