COWRA WINE SHOW WEEKEND 27-28 JULY

In its inaugural year in 1983, the Cowra Wine Show attracted 214 entries. It is now one of the Top 5 wine shows in Australia, with more than 300 exhibitors expected at this year’s Show.

The Wine Show’s Public Tasting is on Saturday 27 July from 6-9pm. You are invited to test your wine tasting skills against those of the expert judges, sampling some of the best wines from Australia’s top wine growing regions including the medal and trophy winners. Tickets to the Public Tasting are $50/person, which includes tastings of the more than 1,500 wines and delicious canapés. Contact the Cowra Show Society on 02 6342 1977 or the Information Centre on 02 6342 4333 to purchase tickets.

The Public Tasting forms the cornerstone of the Cowra Wine Show Weekend, which is proudly supported by major sponsor, Optimal Pharmacy Plus. Celebrating regional food and award-winning wines, the weekend is for aficionados and gastronomes alike with a host of events on both Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July.

Hatted restaurant, Neila's Cooking Master Class is listed Number 20 on the Great Australian Bites' Foodie Bucket List. Taking place from 11am-3pm on 27 July at Neila Farm the class costs $120/person, which includes the hands-on cooking class, recipes and lunch. Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting 02 6341 2188 or eat@neila.com.au.

Take a Tour and Taste of Rosnay Organic Vineyard to see the vines and sample the organic olives and figs before visiting the cellar door to taste the wines. Tours are scheduled for 10am and 2pm on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July. The cost is $5/person cash. Bookings require a minimum of four people and can be made by contacting 0428 667 317.

The Vinum Ostendo Lunch at The Quarry Restaurant on 27 July at 12.30pm is a marriage between an Italian-influenced four-course feast from Chef Paul Loveridge and wines from local vineyard, Swinging Bridge. Tickets are $65/person, bookings through The Quarry 02 6342 3650.

New to the Wine Show Weekend schedule is Kalari Wines’ Vertical Verdelho Tasting from 12-5pm on 27 July. Sip your way through Kalari’s Verdelhos whilst enjoying an individual tasting plate. Tickets cost $20/person, bookings through Cowra Visitor Information Centre 02 6342 4333.

The New York Supper Club at the Imperial Hotel following the Wine Show on Saturday is an intimate evening of live, easy music over shared tapas platters in the private dining room. The Club runs from 9-11pm and costs $30/person including supper, cocktail and entertainment. Pre-purchase tickets through the Visitor Information Centre 02 6342 4333.

Round out the weekend with Gourmet Markets and Recovery Brunch at The Mill on Sunday from 9am-2pm. Local produce stalls, BBQ breakfast fare, fresh juice and coffee in the grounds of Cowra’s oldest building. This is a free event with food and wine available for purchase.

For more information and for ticket purchases, please visit www.cowratourism.com.au