Robert Oatley Vineyards will welcome culinary guru Pete Evans as a special guest at this year’s Burning of the Canes Feast, to be held at the Craigmoor vineyard in Mudgee on Saturday August 15.
Pete Evans will headline Burning of the Canes
A renowned Australian chef, restaurateur, author and television presenter, Evans will join more than 200 wine lovers amongst the vineyards at the Burning of the Canes Feast.
The annual event will begin with canapés and fine wines by a ceremonial cane burning in Robert Oatley Vineyards’ enormous cellar door fireplace.
As per tradition in “old world” wine regions, Robert Oatley Vineyards winemakers and viticulturists will burn bunches of canes pruned from the winery’s leafless vines during the colder months in readiness for spring’s new growth.
The ceremony signifies the end of winter pruning and the change of season at Mudgee’s oldest winery, the historic 151 year-old Craigmoor.
Following the burning of the canes, guests will move into Craigmoor’s spectacular barrel hall to enjoy a grand three-course, long-table feast created by Pete Evans exclusively for the event. The stunning menu will be matched by a selection of Robert Oatley, Wild Oats and Montrose wines.
This year’s Feast will be hosted by Robert Oatley Vineyards executive chairman Sandy Oatley and senior winemaker James Manners.
Oatley said the event provides the ideal opportunity to highlight and reward the hard work of viticulturists, pruners, winemakers and other vineyard workers in Mudgee.
“Viticulturists are the unsung heroes of winemaking,” said Oatley. “While burning of the canes is a rare practice here in Australia, we enjoy the chance to acknowledge the exceptional work done in the vineyard across the seasons.
“It’s also a great opportunity to celebrate our efforts with friends and fellow wine lovers,” he said.
Melbourne-based five-piece acapella group Suede will provide entertainment as guests enjoy fine wines and gourmet food throughout the night.
Limited tickets to the Burning of the Canes event are available at $120 from Robert Oatley Vineyards Cellar Door. For ticket purchases, please contact (02) 6372 2208 or alyons@robertoatley.com.au.
