Wine: Baptism of Fire Preview Tasting and En Primeur Auction

Overview

Six pairs of wine-making novices have teamed up with gurus from the likes of De Bortoli, Sutton Grange and Shadowfax to produce the best drop from start to finish. Wine: Baptism of Fire competitors include a team of food bloggers, two Bellota wine bar legends, the partners of St Ali, and a few excellent combinations of publishing folk and hospitality heroes. The wine has been made from personally selecting the best shiraz grapes from Mount Langi Ghiran (Grampians), De Bortoli (Yarra Valley), or Thousand Candles (Yarra Valley). Finally, the time has come to taste the final product.

The pre-bottling tasting will be held at the recently refurbished Savoy Tavern, where industry experts and consumers will meet the team members, taste their wines (which will be released in October) and bid for their favourite at the auction. Auctioneers for the evening include Andrew Caillard MW and Stuart Gregor.

From picking the grapes to designing the label, the teams have started from scratch and it will be a fight to the finish, as there can only be one winner. Part of the proceeds will go to SecondBite, to help distribute unused fresh food to those in need. Have a bid, have a sip and cast your vote. Our money is on Matt Harrop from Shadowfax proteges Team Harrop, but this evening you will be the judge.