The Sixteenth Tasmanian Fruit Wine and Cider Festival is a foray into the trends and tangents of the non-traditional wine and cider market in Australia.
As mass manufactured beverages continue to decline and the rise of boutique and craft liquors delight the palates of an increasingly discerning public, this festival serves as a great barometer with over 120 fruit wines, liqueurs, ciders and meads.
Ciders, especially those involving blends with a wide range of berry fruits dominate this year’s tasting line-up including the introduction of a range of ‘cysers’. Made by fermenting various fruit juices as you do to make a cider, this digestif is accented by the inclusion of honey. The result fills your taste buds with a sweet and spicy after dinner drink.
Accompanied by a range of street food and music from Mama K and the Big Love and Billy Whitton and the Men of Steel, it’s a great Sunday outing which also presents a unique opportunity.
This event precedes the judging of all Tasmanian entries into the Australian Fruit Wine Show, and as we’ve seen with speculation in the Tasmanian whiskey market, it’s a golden opportunity to pick up a favourite drop before medals are awarded.
The Tasmanian Fruit Wine and Cider Festival is a project of the Rotary Club of Sorell. Entry is by gold coin donation with unlimited tastings for $10. Funds raised are used to support local charities.
The Sixteenth Annual Tasmanian Fruit Wine and Cider Festival
Sunday February 1, 12-4pm
Bellerive Boardwalk, Cambridge Road, Bellerive
Information at www.clarenceartsandevents.net
Dane Hunnerup Program Officer Arts & Events Clarence City Council. Arts & Events eNews: http://eepurl.com/i2pNb
