Prosecco: refreshing, versatile, bubbly. It's a winning combo. Melburnians will once again be able to indulge their love of the sparkling wine when the Prosecco Festival takes over the Abbotsford Convent on Saturday, February 22.
Returning for its eighth year, the event will feature more than 50 international and homegrown bubbles from coveted brands like Rigoni, Calneggia Family Vineyards, Cipriani, Bandini, Bellusi, Divici and Rebuli. If you're a fan of the local stuff, check out Austins Wines, Billy Button Wines, Box Grove Vineyard, Love 2 Glasses, Sam Miranda Wines, Santolin, Santa and D’Sas and Vino Intrepido.
If you're sober curious or the allocated deso driver, Edenvale is one of the official partners and will have you sorted with a range of alcohol-free vinos and cocktails. Plus, all the growers, makers and importers will be on-site to chat about their wine.
But it's not all about the bubbles. To line your stomach there will be sweet and savoury treats from local vendors like the Pav Queen, Milawa Cheese, Abruzzo Lab (one of our fave street food eats around Melbourne), Yes Porketta and Arancini Art. Vegetarian and gluten-free options will also be available.
You can even book in for a VIP masterclass with Melissa Brauer (aka the Prosecco Queen and founder of the event), which will teach you everything there is to know about the effervescent tipple. You'll get to taste four different styles of prosecco paired with antipasto snacks and cheese. VIP spots will be limited, so make a booking asap.
Most importantly, this year's festival is an '90s-themed event (yes, dressing up is encouraged), so expect a soundtrack of nostalgic pop hits to keep the good times flowing. There's even a fun after-party at the Oratory if you're attending the second session.
The day will be divided into two four-hour time slots, one from 11am to 3pm and one from 4.30pm to 8.30pm, with one VIP session available per time slot. Tickets start at $64.40 through the Eventbrite website.