It was the year 2004 that we first heard about the AAVWS and because of my interest in Alternative varieties we thought we’d go along and enter our Sangiovese which at the time only had it as a clean skin. We arrived on the Friday avo that 1st week of November. Back then the tasting […]

A guest blog by Jeni and Burt Surmon, Mt Surmon Wines We had planted nebbiolo, pinot gris and viognier vines in our Clare Valley vineyard so the initial AAVWS in 1999 featuring sangiovese was of interest. We were delighted when the concept was broadened to include a large number of lesser known and unknown varieties. Many […]

a presentation by Mark Walpole at the Long Italian Lunch & Sangiovese Awards, 6th November 1999. Introduction When people are talking about premium Italian varietal wines then in most cases people think Barolo, Barbaresco (both made from Nebbiolo); Chianti (from Sangiovese), Barbera, Pinot Grigio or possibly even blends including French varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon. In […]

This is where it all started…  Pictured above are the founders of the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show; L-R Jenni Chalmers, Bruce Chalmers, Stefano de Pieri and the late Dr. Rod Bonfiglioli.  This shot was taken on the 6th November 1999 at the event which spawned the show, the Long Italian Lunch incorporating the Australian […]