Your Cart is Empty
The history of the decline of Victorian oysters as told by Max Allen and Richard Cornish.
An incredible opportunity to learn about, and enjoy, oysters in abundance (with Champagne in hand!) from dedicated, passionate and learned industry leaders. A presentation, oysters, Champagne, seasonal menu and matching wines are all included. A love of oysters is essential.
Date: Saturday 30th July
Time: 3.30pm – 9.00pm
Join noted food writers Max Allen and Richard Cornish for a 1-hour presentation on the incredible history of oysters in Victoria before sampling Angasi, Pacific and Sydney Rock oysters from local hero Steve Cooper (Flinders Oyster Company).
Informed and inspired by the stories shared by Max and Richard, enjoy a multi-course seasonal menu by Montalto’s Creative Director Matt Wilkinson, with matched wines by Chief Winemaker Simon Black.
An incredible opportunity to learn about, and enjoy, oysters in abundance (with Champagne in hand!) from dedicated, passionate and learned industry leaders. A presentation, oysters, Champagne, seasonal menu and matching wines are all included. A love of oysters is essential.
Cost: $240 all inclusive.
Places are strictly limited. Bookings essential.
ABOUT MAX ALLEN
Max Allen is an award-winning journalist and author, and honorary fellow in history at the University of Melbourne. Max has been writing about booze for almost 30 years: he is the wine and drinks columnist for the Australian Financial Review, long time contributor to Gourmet Traveller Magazine, Australian correspondent for JancisRobinson.com and a regular presenter at masterclasses and festivals around the world. His latest book, Intoxicating: Ten Drinks That Shaped Australia, is published by Thames & Hudson.
ABOUT RICHARD CORNISH
Richard Cornish is an award-winning food writer whose love of the land led him to explore the issues around food: where it comes from, how it gets to us, and why some foods taste better than others. He is a senior features writer for the Fairfax Good Food and Epicure lift outs, and is the writer and creator of its popular 'Brain Food' column. He has co-written four books on Spanish food with MoVida chef Frank Camorra, and worked in Mexico researching and photographing a book on Mexican food culture. Richard appeared on the Australian version of Iron Chef, was co-creative director of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, and continues to consult to the organisation. A vocal commentator on food, food politics and sustainability, he lives in Melbourne with his partner, fashion designer Tiffany Treloar, daughters Ginger and Sunday, and a rambling vegetable garden.
ABOUT MATT WILKINSON, MONTALTO CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Initially joining Montalto as Culinary Captain in 2020, Matt’s role grew to Creative Director in 2022. With his decades of extraordinary success in both the UK, as well as his adopted home in Melbourne, Matt’s lifelong dedication to “produce first” cooking perfectly aligns with Montalto’s existing estate-grown produce values. Matt enthusiastically continues to explore and drive the synergy between the estate gardens, vineyards and the kitchens whilst working closely with Julie Bennett (Produce Manager), Simon Black (Chief Winemaker), Craig Penglase (Executive Chef) and Diana Desensi (Head Chef). If you’re looking for Matt, you’ll most likely find him scouring the property for native watercress and yabbies, glass of Montalto rosé in hand.
ABOUT SIMON BLACK, MONTALTO CHIEF WINEMAKER
Simon joined Montalto as Chief Winemaker in 2009 after playing an integral role in the successful set-up of a number of wineries across Victoria. Drawn to both the Peninsula, and specifically Montalto, for the promised potential of cool climate, maritime vineyards, Simon found both freedom of creativity and expression working alongside John Mitchell who famously said to Simon upon his arrival ‘Just go and do it, I’ll let you know if there’s a problem.’ "Being allowed full control, I’ve been able to build up a complete picture in my head with all of our sites contributing to the master plan.” Simon’s master plan has resulted in countless incredibly impressive awards, trophies and highlights over the years - most recently being awarded the 2021 James Halliday Australian Chardonnay Trophy Winner as the highest pointed Chardonnay for his 2019 Montalto Single Vineyard “Tuerong Block” Chardonnay.
Events at Montalto are first offered to our newsletter subscribers. To subscribe:
If you have any questions or would like more information, please call, 10 AM - 4 PM 7 days a week:
