While we’ve poo-pooed chardonnay in the past (and who hasn't), contemporary Australian vintages have transformed this dry white’s reputation from an unfortunate last choice into a beverage competing with the coolest biodynamic verdelhos and pinots. And yet, despite these huge improvements, chardonnay is still saddled with a sucky reputation. So, rather than forget its unfashionable past, Handpicked Wines Cellar Door are embracing it, with a kitsch festival dedicated to the humble chardy.
It’s going to have big Kath and Kim vibes – perhaps with a few footy franks and barbeque Shapes as snacks – but with fresh chardonnays from Giant Steps, Handpicked Wines, Oakridge, Savaterre and Tyrrell’s. There’ll be more than 20 varieties to sample as the producers talk you through their creations from the OG grape, with all tastings included in your $35 ticket.
And if you’ve got a few parrot earrings, gumnut sweaters or a nice, unusual period switch, now is the time to whip ’em out, because there are going to be prizes for the best daggy costumes.
