Join three of the Mornington Peninsula's most distinguished winemakers: Simon Black of Montalto, Tod Dexter from Dexter Wines, and Ocean Eight's Mike Aylward, as they discuss the evolution of winemaking on the Peninsula at Montalto. The sessions will be moderated by respected author, journalist and wine expert, Ed Merrison.
The evening includes a four-course meal by Montalto head chef Gerard Phelan with matched wines from all three estates.
Tod Dexter, Dexter Wines: Tod has been around the Peninsula for three decades. He was the inaugural winemaker at Stonier's, blending their first wines in 1988, growing the company to become one of Australia's premium producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. During this decade the wines Tod created received many accolades both at home and internationally.
During a formative trip to France in 2000, Tod gained a new respect for the concept of terroir and the responsibility to future generations in caring for the land. This trip encouraged Tod to take the next step and launch Dexter Wines.
Mike Aylward, Ocean Eight: What started as a part-time job while studying has turned into a committed obsession for winemaker Michael Aylward. After a stint at family-owned winery Kooyoong and its subsequent sale, Michael went into business with his parents to form Ocean Eight, taking on the role of winemaker and general manager. To complete his education Michael undertook several study tours of France, concentrating on the hallowed vineyards and cellars of Burgundy.
Whilst he makes Mornington Peninsula wines he has applied the most salient Burgundian techniques to take the wines to another level. In 2011 Michael won the highly coveted “Young Gun Of Wine” award.
Simon Black, Montalto: In 1997 Simon became the inaugural winemaker at Willow Creek, repeating this accomplishment by setting up the Heathcote Estate winery to process the local shiraz and, later, chardonnay and pinot noir from the adolescent Yabby Lake Vineyard. After a period of travel, Simon returned to the Peninsula to become Montalto's award-winning winemaker.
Evolution of the Peninsula: Dinner with the Winemakers Friday 29 June 6.30 pm $150 per head for four courses with matched wines
