CONVENTION INFORMATION

Transcription

1 The Federation of Wine & Food Societies of Australia Inc The Wine & Food Society of Geelong Inc CONVENTION INFORMATION National Convention Weekend Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd April 2018 Geelong - Making Wine for Over 150 Years 1

2 GEELONG 2 The Federation of Wine & Food Societies of Australia join with the Wine & Food Society of Geelong to invite your members to sample the fine food, wine and hospitality of our region over the course of a weekend. The first vineyard in the Geelong region was planted in 1845 by a Swiss vigneron, David Pettavel. Before the closure of the industry due to Phylloxera in 1885 it had become the largest wine growing region in Victoria. The modern era began when Daryl and Nini Sefton re-established a vineyard in 1966 (Daryl was the longest serving member of our society until his death in 2016). Today, there are over 75 vineyards with more than 30 different grape varieties planted. Cool climate Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling are the most popular grape varieties in this region. There are three subregions (Bellarine Peninsula, Moorabool Valley and the Surfcoast / Otways) with distinct characters expressed in the wines. The Geelong district has a long history of quality food production and modern artisanal producers have enhanced this reputation. Geelong is a vibrant city of over 190,000, with excellent transport connections (including nearby Avalon Airport). There are many attractions in the city and its surrounds.

3 PROGRAM Friday Evening 6PM 3 PICK UP / DROP OFF Deakin University Waterfront Campus - start 6pm with a guided tour of this converted wool store before gathering at 6:45pm in the Waterfront Kitchen for a structured Champagne tasting led by Cam O Keefe (Vin de Champagne Award winner), accompanied by a Sabrage demonstration. This will be followed by dinner. Saturday Lunch 12PM - 3PM Centra Hotel will be the venue for a tasting of the local wines and food.

4 PROGRAM Saturday Dinner 6PM 4 PICK UP / DROP OFF This formal black tie event will commence with a guided tour of the Geelong Art Gallery before moving into the adjoining new Geelong Library and Heritage Centre. The 5th floor function room has stunning views over the waterfront, with the lights of Melbourne in the distance. A sumptuous meal will complement the surroundings. Sunday Morning 9.45AM FWFSA AGM at the Novotel Hotel. The AGM should be attended by Wine and Food Society Presidents and Councillors, and it is open to all attendees. Sunday Lunch 11.15AM - 3PM We will depart Geelong at 11:15am for a casual lunch at Merne at Lighthouse near Drysdale on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula with panoramic views over an established olive grove and vineyards towards Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale, returning to Geelong at 3:30pm. PICK UP / DROP OFF

5 MORE 5 Pre-Convention Tours On Wednesday 18th, Thursday 19th and Friday 20th there will be tours of the three Geelong wine subregions (Bellarine Peninsula, Moorabool Valley and Surf Coast / Otways). These will be in small luxury coaches, departing at 10 am from the Novotel and returning at 4 pm (earlier on the Friday). As well as selected vineyards, they will visit local food producers. A Geelong member will accompany each tour. They will stop at a local restaurant for an à la carte meal. Post-Convention Tours There will be no formal post-convention tour but delegates wishing to extend their culinary experience are recommended to consider the Mornington Peninsula (accessible via a car ferry from Queenscliff), the Henty (centred around Hamilton), Grampians, Pyrenees or Bendigo regions. If you are heading towards Melbourne, Werribee Mansion Hotel and Shadowfax Winery are also recommended, and the Macedon, Sunbury and Yarra Valley wine regions are close by. Further Information Updated information and Registration details will be posted on the Federation website For further information, please contact: Peggy Sanders FWFSA Secretary M: E: fwfsa.inc@gmail.com

6 ACCOMMODATION 6 NOVOTEL GEELONG Situated on the waterfront, close to all venues. This is the official hotel of the Convention and meetings will be held here. Pick up and drop off where needed for functions. Special discount rate for delegates. Hotel / Motels RYDGES GEELONG BELMERCER HOTEL QUALITY HOTEL BAYSIDE GEELONG COMFORT INN Apartments DEVLIN APARTMENTS NIREEDA APARTMENTS VUE APARTMENTS & DAY SPA WATERFRONT APARTMENTS AARON LEE APARTMENTS Accommodation Outside of Geelong BARWON HEADS GOLF CLUB RACV TORQUAY RESORT THE SANDS TORQUAY