Launch with the lot

By Kath Gannaway
THE SUCCESS of the inaugural Marysville Sparkling Wine Festival during the spring racing festival last year left no doubt that it would be back.
And the launch last week of the 2011 festival left no doubt it will be back – bigger and better.
The festival will run from 25 October through to Melbourne Cup Day and in addition to the main event wine show will include a business breakfast, golf day, fashion events and a gala dinner.
Patron of the festival, five-time Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Lee Freedman, was a special guest at the launch and will be guest speaker at the business breakfast on the Wednesday.
Festival committee chairman Christine Adams said the launch was a great start to a wine festival which is unique in Australia.
“There is no other festival that concentrates on sparkling wine,” she said predicting it would emerge as an iconic festival.
“When Lee came on board as ambassador, we were absolutely delighted,” she said.
Mr Freedman said he had never been to Marysville but didn’t need to be asked twice.
“We all know the whole story going back; no-one has forgotten all that and I jumped at the opportunity when Graham (committee member Graham Taylor) asked me,” he said.
Mr Taylor from Rochford Wines said wineries from around Australia would be taking part in the festival, which would be judged by renowned wine judges.
Committee member Michael Gelbert of Buxton Ridge Winery said there was no specific benchmark for sparkling wines, which he added “were going through the roof in sales”.
Why Marysville?
“Two reasons,” Mr Gelbert said. “Marysville is a bit like the Switzerland of the wine world – a fairly neutral zone.
“The other reason is to try to keep Marysville on the map.”
Ken Adams, organiser of the business breakfast, spoke next, providing an entertaining welcome to his guest speaker and an invite to not only businesspeople but anyone who enjoyed the chance to network and perhaps get some inside running on the Melbourne Cup, or who just enjoys a sociable breakfast.
For further information about the Marysville Sparkling Wine Festival 2011, or to book for events, phone 5963 4567, email to info@marysvillefestival.com.au, or visit marysvillefestival.com.au