The Game of Rhones wine festival went out with a bang during its final event ever. That’s right. There are no more red wine-slash-Game of Thrones-themed wine festivals in Australia’s future. No more events celebrating the great varietals of grape from the Rhone valley poured to you by someone dressed up as a member of the Night’s Watch.
The Plus Ones have attended Game of Rhones for years, and we’re sad to see it finish. That said, now seems a good time to bid farewell. With only seven episodes of Game of Thrones airing this year, and another half a dozen to polish off the show in 2018, dressing up as Daenerys and or Khal Drogo has come to a graceful end. We’re sure the red wine celebration will be re-branded and re-jigged and come back better than ever. Though it will be hard to top the fun of Game of Rhones.
After all, there’s so much to celebrate when you look at the grapes grown in the Rhone Valley. We’re talking varietals like Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre. The grapes are grown and made into magnificent red wines all over the globe, including Australia. Winemakers from the Hunter, Barossa, Clare Valley, Yarra, New Zealand (and yes, the original home of France) showcased their wares at Carriageworks.
Carriageworks’ main open-air hall was the perfect setting to rug up in Westeros-style furs and enjoy some warming red wine in our huge Plumm wine glasses. (Speaking of, purchase Plumm glass at Plumm.com with the code ‘PLUMMREDA’ and receive 25% OFF – redeemable for the next week only.)
Attendees had their work cut out for them, with over 100 wines on offer. My +1 and I played a game of ping pong: we visited a winemaker and asked them to recommend their favourite cellar door stand to visit. Standout cellar doors included Woods Crampton from the Barossa and Kennedy, from Heathcote in Victoria. Along the way, we tried delicious GSM (Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre). We learned that the latter is also known as Mataró or Monastrell. And we even snuck in a bit of cheese.
Food from Bodega 1904, Tequila Mockingbird, La Bastide, Yarra Valley Dairy kept punters satiated, while those needing to cut the vino with something other than water could turn to Young Henrys for some craft beer action.
Throughout the afternoon, everyone could vote on their favourite winery. The People’s Choice winners for the final Game of Rhones:
1) Whistler
2) Hungerford Hill
3) Samuel’s Gorge
Nothing will ever top the time I saw a group of friends do GoT cosplay in Melbourne, with one member dressed as Tyrion riding an emu. I’ll leave you with that image.
– Theresa
C0-founder of The Plus Ones, Theresa was once photographed dressed as Jon Snow for The Age. Follow her adventures on Instagram.
Bottle Shop Concepts’ next Sydney event is Pinot Palooza on 8 October 2017 at Carriageworks. Buy tickets now.
The venue is accessible.
