The Inaugural Dal Zotto Prosecco Picnic

This summer Burnham Beeches played host to the inaugural Dal Zotto winery’s Prosecco Picnic. Situated on the lawns in front of Shannon Bennett’s latest venture, Piggery Café, the Dal Zotto family treated all picnic-goers to a fantastic feast, and some delectable drinks. There was sun, there was fun, and there were sweet tunes for everyone.

The Dal Zotto famiglia have three key ingredients to their range of wines: family, tradition, and innovation. All of their wine making is driven by the overarching philosophy of staying true to your roots. The vinos on offer range from chardonnay, Riesling, and cabernet merlot to the star of the picnic: the prosecco.

My afternoon started with a beautiful, scenic drive out to Burnham Beeches, located about 40 minutes from the CBD. The day was spectacular: the sun was out, there was a cooling breeze, and not a cloud in sight. Touted as the first families to produce prosecco in Australia, I knew I was in for a treat this afternoon with the Dal Zottos.

My plus one and I were given a crate and a picnic rug, and set off to settle down on a patch of lawn, setup complete with umbrellas for some shelter from the sun. This was all with a glass of prosecco in hand, of course. The crate doubled as a mini table for our glasses, and all the delectable goodies that were to follow.

The picnic basket, courtesy of Piggery Café, was just brilliant. We were spoiled for choice with a baguette from Burnham Bakery to enjoy with our selection of nuts, dried fruits, and cheese. There were helpings of roast chicken, cauliflower salad, beetroot salad, and an array of cold meats. This was all topped off with a box of bite-sized desserts, including a semi-deconstructed lemon meringue tart.

Every mouthful was delicious, and the prosecco was a fantastic accompaniment. It wasn’t too sweet, and slightly dry – absolutely perfect for a sunny Melbourne afternoon. With some sweet tunes in the background, I was totally blissed out.

In case you think it can’t get any better, it does. On our way out, we were given a goody bag with our very own Dal Zotto picnic rug, Plumm champagne glasses, and a take-home bottle of their 2012 pucino prosecco. #Spoiledrotten, amiright?

Apart from swatting away the flies that were after my roast chicken, this was one of the most relaxing, indulgent afternoons I’ve had in a while.

 

If you want your money’s worth of prosecco, there are transport options available too. The inaugural Dal Zotto prosecco picnic was a total hit, in my opinion, and great value for money.

– Ashanie
Ashanie Perera is a foodaholic, avid eater, and competitive beast. When she’s not dreaming about her next meal, she can be found running around the block to continue fitting into her current clothes. @thepursuitofchubbyness

 Dal Zotto Winery
4861 Wangaratta-Whitfield Road
Whitfield, VIC
www.dalzotto.com.au

Disclosure: The Plus Ones were invited guests of Dal Zotto Winery.
Image credit: The Plus Ones.