Take a sip, Melbournians: Drink Victorian is officially back for its second year. The 2023 program, an initiative by the Victorian Drinks Alliance, is designed to drive attention to local drops and producers in a month-long array of special dinners, tastings and more.
From innovative bars like Parcs and Her Bar, which are renowned for their out-of-the-box cocktails, to fine diners like Aru, which boasts an elite selection of local wines, some of Melbourne’s boldest and biggest venues are coming to the party. We’ve rounded up our highlights of the program so you can join in, too.
A Brewers’ Brunch at Molly Rose sees brewer and founder Nic Sandery host a feast of Southeast Asian and modern Australian eats paired with some of the brewery’s fave bevvies. A ticket includes a Michelada cocktail on arrival with a brunch-style snack, the opportunity to participate in brewing a limited-release beer and a table of food to taste while you learn. You’ll also be invited back to try a free pot of what you create. Beer nerds, unite!
Prefer your wines? Get up close to the best of Victorian Chardonnay at a four-course seafood dinner at Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters. The menu features dishes like soda bread with cultured cream and Yarrdria Valley trout roe, a shellfish cocktail with avocado and green apple, and a crudo of white fish with smoked eel and spring onion. French cuisine lovers, take note: there’ll also be a classic bouillabaisse hot off the stove, too.
Meanwhile, Aru is partnering with Yarra Valley winemaker Mac Forbes to delight you over a four-course Sunday lunch. It will be paired with some of Forbes’ most beloved wines, from the latest releases to prized vintages from the cellar. Signature dishes set to make an appearance include the 14-day dry-aged duck and claypot broken rice. Whether it’s an overdue revisit or your first time checking out Aru, this lunch is the ticket.
Local indie wine shop Blackhearts and Sparrows will be returning to support the program, offering weekly tastings and month-long Victorian producer recommendations. And if you’re a fan of Parcs, you’re in luck: the sustainability-focused bar is hosting a free event celebrating amari from Beechworth Bitters Co with paired snacks.
Drink Victorian runs for the entire month of June. For full program details or to make a booking at one of the events, visit the website.
