The first weekend of Wine Month got off to a bubbly start, with fine weather and good crowds at vineyards and restaurants.
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At Dindima Wines, Lee Bell could only spare a few moments on Saturday morning as she busied herself putting the final touches on the Smooth Jazz, Sparkling Wine and Oysters at Dindima event.
COVID had put paid to Mrs Bell's dream of having jazz artists perform live, however nothing was going to get in the way of the sparkling wine and oyster part of the celebration.
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And as for the jazz music, it would just have to be piped through speakers this time around.
Mrs Bell was eagerly awaiting the arrival of 50 dozen Sydney rock oysters from over the mountain.
"They should be arriving in about half an hour," she said.
They would be paired, freshly shucked, with Dindima's Stardust, a traditionally made (méthode traditionelle) sparkling wine.
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Vegetarians and kids - who may wince at the sight of the slimy, salty seafood snacks - were also catered for.
"The weather is wonderful, and people are very enthusiastic about coming out," Mrs Bell said. "All I'm concerned about now is - have I got enough sparkling flutes?"
With the area's annual Wine Week cancelled due to the COVID pandemic, a replacement was put together under the banner of Wine Month.
Rather than larger signature events such as markets and the wine show, Wine Month sees vignerons, restaurateurs and the local wine industry offering more intimate gatherings at venues including Philip Shaw, Stockman's Ridge, Swinging Bridge, Montoro and Nashdale.
There are wine masterclasses, meet-the-maker experiences and small gourmet food and wine events.
Highlights include:
* Stockman's Ridge Yoga in the Vines on October 18 from 11am-1pm, with yoga guided by Shell from Sankha Yoga followed by brunch and bubbles.
* Strawhouse Wines' Justin Byrne and Meg Simpson hosting Strawhouse Pavilion Plates in the new pavilion at their Lidster winery on October 14-16 and 21-23, with tasting and plates from 12-4pm.
* An intimate four-course lunch matched to all Rikard Wines' new releases at Orange's newest hatted restaurant - Charred Kitchen and Bar.
At the The October 17 luncheon, from 12-4pm, winemaker Will Rikard-Bell will discuss the 2019 new releases.
* The Vintner's Table, at Rowlee Wines on October 25, offers drinks and canapes in the garden before a sit down meal overseen by chef Edwena Mitchell, paired with Rowlee Wines. From 1-5pm.
A number of events have already sold out, and bookings are essential for all experiences.
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