UnWined WA 2015 – The Highlights

I have now successfully conquered UnWined for 4 consecutive years and in 2015 I am still sticking to saying that it is my favourite wine festival in Perth. The event takes place in Subiaco, a short walk from the Subi train station which means no sober driver is needed for the day (that saves a few arguments between Mr. Spittoon and I).

A massive thank-you to Jess and the team at CMS Events for inviting us along and putting on yet again another smashing event in 2015.

The festival is laid out really well with plenty of space to chill out with a glass of wine, tables and umbrellas to enjoy some snacks and wine at, live music to aid the laid-back vibe, water stations to keep you hydrated and this year we saw the début of the ‘wine locker’. The wine locker is a spot to drop off your purchases so you don’t have to lug them around – it was quick and easy to use. I’m really interested to know if anyone left their purchases behind though 😉

As always it was great to add yet another couple of UnWined tasting glasses to our collection – however I have to admit I would love to see the tasting glasses upgraded next year to a lovely Plumm or Riedel glass so each wine really has the chance to shine.

The exhibitor line-up was great, as I am a bit of a regular now at UnWined, I found a nice mix of exhibitors from previous years and also newbies. Although it’s tempting to visit all my old favourites, I really tried to get around to as many of the ones as possible. That’s what’s great about a wine festival like this, I can try the full line-up of wines from wineries which I haven’t had a chance to get to and who most likely only sell their wine from the cellar door.

So what did I love and what would I suggest you check out if you get the chance? See below 🙂

Mandalay Road Wines

It was so lovely chatting to Bernice & Tony who told us all about their ‘accidental’ entrance into the wine industry. I was a big fan of the 2015 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon and also their 2014 Durif was absolutely delicious!

Kerfuffle Wines

It was easy to see that the young couple behind Kerfuffle Wines have a good sense of humour. I loved their quirky stall set-up and I have to admit the Dovetail Rose was rather scrumptious. I’m looking forward to trying their Chardy when it comes out too.

Harmans Estate (The Honest Vinter)

I love the Harmans bright Brazilian inspired wine label designs. I even snapped up a free temporary tattoo which I’m excited about showcasing at some point over summer. Loved to see a Pinot Gris in their line-up and their sparkling Moscato also went down a treat. Super friendly, fun service.

3 Drops Wine & Olive Oil

I have tried a few of the 3 Drops wines before, however it was nice to take the opportunity to chat to the lovely Joanne Bradbury who is a finalist in the Australian Women In Wine Awards 2015 (good luck Jo!). I looove the 3 Drops Riesling and Chardonnay, plus the olive oil was simply delectable – so fresh!

St. Aidan Wines

It was great to see a number of Geographe wineries at the festival, including St.Aidan. Their sparkling Chardonnay had me weak at the knees!

Wild Orchid Wines

I haven’t come across Wild Orchid before, but seeing as orchids are my favourite type of flower – I just had to have a taste. With bottle prices starting from $10 and seeing as we are saving for a wedding, well this was just perfect! The Reserve Chardonnay, Semillon Sauvignon Blanc and Rose were all divine. Super friendly service too!

52 Stones

You probably know I am already familiar with 52 Stones, which is why I thought a glass of their Barrel Select 2014 Chardonnay would be a great idea to go with one of a food stops while we chilled out on the grass and gathered up our energy for our next round. As always the boys at 52 Stones were highly entertaining and they really are taking their passion to the next level…

Vine Collective Wine Bar

Naturally I had to go and say hi to my friends over at Vine Collective who I write the monthly WA Wine Events posts for. They had a great range of wines up for tasting, I really loved the Ye-Ye Blanc with its lemon meringue pie aromas and The Great South Syrah by Express Winemakers also left me licking my lips.

Wine Theatre: Natural Wines, What’s All The Fuss About?

Well we actually wanted to go to the first session of the day, but we weren’t quick enough as the classes are on a first in, first serve basis. I liked the line-up of wines on taste for the natural wines class but the whole thing just annoyed me a bit as no one was paying attention, people were just drinking the wine and then leaving and it seemed a damn shame. The wines we tried were; Si White Semillon/Chardonnay, Xabregas Madmen Devo Riesling, Si.N Sweet Baby Gary Shiraz and Between 5 Bells Red Blend.

The Food

We ended up having a couple of food breaks throughout the afternoon, I wish I had room for everything as it all sounded so good! My picks from the day definitely had to be the Beef Sliders with Smokey Chipolte & Coleslaw ($12) from That Food Truck and the Potato Bravas with Crispy Bacon & Tomato Jam ($10) from Tapasman.

Of course there was so much more to drink and eat at the festival, if only I had the stamina! Perhaps next year I might have to make it a 2-day effort so I can stuff myself with even more! A big thanks to CMS Events for the invite and as always for putting together an amazing festival. Is it too early to be getting excited about UnWined 2016??