What does a Tomato Festival have to do with sparkling wines? To most people, probably nothing, but for me, cooking with fresh produce and enjoying wines go hand in hand.

And besides, what self-respecting event organiser would not have a decent beverage supplier on site to accompany the wonderful array of foods on offer at such an event?

And the Melbourne Tomato Festival delivered my wishes. The lovely people from Punt Road Wines served us their deliciously summery sparkling wine, and in a most elegant and practical (unusual for these two things to be together) vessel. Whilst others were being served in clear flimsy plastic picnic cups, Punt Road Sparkling was poured into these lovely stemless (and I’m not normally a fan of stemless glassware) acrylic glasses with a horizontal indent for your thumb. Not only was this a lovely aesthetic to make a non-glass vessel more sophisticated, but it also served to cleverly stop any slips from one’s hand whilst meandering through the stalls and demonstrations. On a warm day with rocky paths, steps and tiered grass areas to negotiate, this was perfect. I’ll be hanging on to these little beauties and adding them to my picnic basket for future use.

The Punt Road Sparkling was light, fresh, fizzy and with a hint of fruits that I’m guessing was peach or nectarines. Not too sweet and the bubbles lasted to the end of the glass. Not that it took long to drink....went down very easily in the warmth of the afternoon.

A bit about the festival....we arrived early at the venue (Edendale Farm in Eltham) so as to attend the opening ceremony with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, Guy Grossi an Aboriginal Elder and two other indigenous young men. Guy spoke first, explaining the reason for the festival (keeping Italian culture of family and food practices alive in Melbourne) and showcasing some of Victoria’s brilliant fresh produce.  Premier Andrews spoke of the history of Italian immigration and it’s priceless contribution to food, culture and coffee. Then the indigenous group created fire in the traditional way by rubbing sticks to officially open the festival. 

There were cheesemakers, olive oil producers, pizza makers, Sicilian street food stalls, gelato makers, salumi bar, winemakers, fresh produce growers and cooking demonstrations by leading Australian chefs : Guy Grossi, Karen Martini, Liz Egan, Scott Pickett, Matt Wilkinson, Dani Valent and adopted Aussie Irishman Colin Fassnidge.

A feature throughout the day were the multiple passata making sessions that took place under a marquee so that all not participating could also see. Just beautiful to see a sea of red juice flowing from the hand-operated devices.

Other demonstrations were : A Mozzarella making session by Giorgio from That’s Amore Cheese, a make your own pizza oven by Polito Ovens, sessions on butchery, food choices and bees/polination. And of course, the Melbourne’s Best Tomato Competition winner was announced.

All in all, a really fabulous day out, a festival that’s not so large you have a lot of back-tracking to do, and amazing Victorian produce all round. And, of course, with a lovely glass of newly discovered Punt Road Sparkling wine in my hand. Couldn’t ask for a more perfect day!

#fruity #tasteofsummer #melbournetomatofestival #puntroadwines #yarravalley #victorianproduce #karenmartini #guygrossi #bubbles #australiansparkling #sparklingobsession