Another good example of how restaurateur Barry Iddles has breathed new life into the cuisine on offer at picturesque Queenscliff (and supporting local producers) is his latest creation “Battle of the Bays” to be staged on July 20.
Iddles has invited two winemakers located on either side of Port Phillip Bay an opportunity to showcase their respective wines accompanied by a five-course dinner at 360Q Restaurant located within the Queenscliff Harbour precinct.
This inaugural event pitches Ocean Eight Vineyard (Mornington Peninsula) against Baie Wines located on the Bellarine Peninsula Both vineyards benefit from the region’s climate that allows winemakers to create some sought-after cool climate wines.
Amongst the collection of wines that will be matched with the five-course dinner is an Ocean Eight Sparkling that retails for about $100 a bottle and new releases from Baie Wines that have had the benefits of a long, warm summer.
Ocean Eight winemaker Michael Alyward said:”We only make a small quantity of our Sparkling Wine, about 40 dozen a year. This year’s harvest was very dry and cool which ensures a slow ripening of the grapes that’ are then aged eight years in the bottle. 2018 was a ripping year as was 2005, 2008, 2012 and 2015. This ensures it (the Sparkling and Pinot Noir) will be distinctive Mornington Peninsula wines.”
Whilst Baie Wines suggest they are a small batch vineyard they punch above their weight due to the hands-on approach to sourcing an annual harvest from the vineyard’s 16 year old vines.
They are excited about participating in the Battle of the Bays at 360Q Queenscliff against Ocean Eight because they appreciate the quality of another cool climate wine maker that is creating stand out vintages and assisting in the region’s quest to grow its wine tourism industry.
Wine buffs are in for a real treat with the matching wines from Baie and Ocean Eight that will accompany the five-course dinner. A recent long, warm summer, translates into good strong fruit flavours that have one obvious outcome – stand out Pinot Gris, Shiraz and Pinot Noir.
Battle of The Bays Five-Course Wine Dinner with matching wines
Guests to be served Ocean
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