Prosecco: refreshing, versatile, bubbly. It's a winning combo. Melburnians will once again be able to indulge their love of the Italian white wine when the Prosecco Festival takes over the Abbotsford Convent on Saturday, March 2.
Returning for its seventh year, the event will feature more than 45 international and homegrown bubbles from brands like Rigoni, Cester Camillo, Rebuli, Dal Zotto, Babo, Pizzini Wines, Brown Brothers, See Saw Wines, Tar and Roses, Vinea Marson and De Bortoli. Our very own Kylie Minogue will even be in attendance (well, kind of), with her prosecco rosé available to sample.
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, 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. Adorn Cosmetics will also be in attendance as an event partner, to provide make-up touch-ups during the day.
Most importantly, this year's festival is an '80s-themed event (yes, dressing up is encouraged), so expect a soundtrack of new wave bangers and pop power ballads. Be sure to stick around for the blue light disco after-party (complete with disco balls, lasers and a smoke machine) 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 $70 through the Eventbrite website.
