Wine Win

‘Stella Bella Wines’ is celebrating a win after its savouring skirmish with industry heavyweight ‘Yalumba’ at the 2011 ‘Battle of the Vineyards’ wine event in Brisbane.

The annual tasting tussle pits two of Australia’s top family-owned wine producers against one another at a charity luncheon, with case sales on the day deciding the victor.

One of the most popular events on the Brisbane food and wine calendar, guests enjoy some of the finest varietals from each vineyard which have been carefully matched to a mouth-watering three course menu.

‘Peter Lehman’s Wines’ proved too strong in last year’s stoush with Tyrrell’s from the Hunter Valley but the Barossa could not make it two in a row in 2011.

Despite 150 years head start on Stella Bella, Australia’s oldest family owned winery failed to reign in the young Margaret River producer whose sumptuous Pink Muscat prompted a last minute rush of orders to push it across the line and claim the 'silverware'.

The event for around 160 guests at Gambaro's in Caxton Street generated more than $20,000 in wine sales and donations on the day. Proceeds will benefit Guide Dogs Queensland.