Bottega Rotolo Cheese Experiences

Fine food and wine merchant Bottega Rotolo has released a new calendar of cheese classes and workshops exploring some of the best European and Australian varieties, styles, and food and wine matches. Classes start this week (June 9) with a tasting of Alpine Cheeses from the mountainous regions of France, Switzerland and Italy, plus a surprising Australian inclusion, at the King William Road store.

The Winter Cheese Experience (June 23) will see participants taste some of the best European cheeses and learn why they are better to eat during winter; the Italian Cheese Experience (June 16) will look at Italian Denomination of Origin cheeses, focussing on production and regulation; the White Mould Cheese Experience (June 30) will explore some of the most famous and readily available white-mould cheeses from different regions of Australia, France and Italy; the Raw Milk Cheese Experience (July 7 and September 22) will explore the flavour of raw-milk cheeses; the Blue Cheese Experience (July 14) will feature some of the most famous blue cheeses, looking at method of production and style; the European Cheese Experience (July 21) will take participants on a cheese journey through Europe; the Cheese and Whisky Experience (August 4) will explore the unique flavours created when cheese and whisky are enjoyed together; the Cheese and Chocolate Experience (August 11) will showcase sweet pairings of premium cheeses and Italian Venchi chocolate; the Spanish Cheese Experience (August 18) will feature classic Spanish cheeses alongside some of the country’s hidden gems; the Washed Rind Cheese Experience (September 8) will look at the rich and varied flavours of French washed-rind cheeses; and the Goat Milk Cheese Experience (September 15) looks at some of the best goat milk cheeses in the world.

A cheese tasting at Bottega Rotolo.

Sea & Vines – June 10 to 13

Now in its 24th year, the McLaren Vale Sea & Vines Festival celebrates the region’s culinary and wine traditions. Showcasing 25 wineries and 35 food and wine events over the June long weekend, this year’s festival highlights include a five-course degustation dinner event with jazz virtuoso James Morrison; a dinner at Salopian Inn matched to wines selected by Matt Dunne, sommelier at Sydney’s Aria; a six-course long lunch at Serafino prepared by former MasterChef contestant Jessie Spiby and executive chef Sarah Contin; and a collection of seafood masterclasses led by Michael Angelakis and Michael Keelan. The full program can be found here.

James Morrison. Photo: supplied

Pepe Cucina wine dinner – June 14 – SOLD OUT

La Cantina presents a tasting of six wines from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, produced by Pandolfa estate, matched with antipasto at Burnside Village restaurant Pepe Cucina. The tasting will be followed by a bowl of chef Salvatore Pepe’s famous pasta and a glass of Pandolfa wine. The tasting starts at 5.30pm and tickets are $40 per person. Bookings can be made by phoning 8379 8991.

Photo: Nat Rogers/InDaily

The Longest Table Ambassador Dinner – June 18

Join The Longest Table ambassadors – cook Bree May, “cancer thriver” Jenni Eyles, brewers Craig Basford and Jason Harris, and chef Domenic Tiani – for a three-course Moroccan feast showcasing SA produce along with Big Shed Brewing Company cider and beer, as well as wines by Howard Vineyard and a welcome cocktail by Steve The Bartender. The event, which supports the work of Australian cancer researchers, will be held at the Published Arthouse, 11 Cannon Street, Adelaide. Tickets are $100 per person and cover food and beverages, live entertainment and a live auction hosted by Eyles, with all donations and auction proceeds used to #FORKCANCER.

Bree May, passionate cook and ambassador for The Longest Table.

Formaggio e Vino – June 23

Join cheese expert Valerie Henbest (Smelly Cheese Shop and Say Cheese Company) and Mercato’s La Cantina resident Italian wine expert Chris Sarandis for a tutored tasting of five premium Italian and French cheeses alongside Italian wine matches. Experience La Tur (Italian goat, cow, sheep cheese) alongside 2015 Linnaea Allora Dell Monferrato Cortese; Bufaletto (Italian buffalo Taleggio) with 2014 Cantina Del Taburno Falanghina Del Sannio; Comte (French cow cheese) with NV Bellavista Alma Cuvee Franciacorta; Ossau Iraty (French cow cheese) with 2014 Castello di Neive Pinot Nero; and Blu di Caravaggio (Italian blue cheeese) with NV Martinez Zibbibo ‘Laus’. The session costs $50 per person and will be held at Mercato. Information and bookings here.

Cheese expert Valerie Henbest.

Losing the plot – until June 26

Losing the Plot: food gardening in South Australia is a Migration Museum exhibition that explores the history of growing food in South Australia and examines the stories behind the food on our plates, from Aboriginal food production and school and community gardens to the home garden and market gardens in SA. The exhibition is accompanied by a program of workshops and talks focussing on food gardening and the use of garden produce in preserving and cooking.

Winter Reds Weekend – July 29 to 31

Now in its sixth year, the Adelaide Hills Wine Region’s Winter Reds Weekend is a mini wine festival celebrating cool-climate red wines. This year is set to be the largest Winter Reds, with more than 40 participating wineries offering a diverse range of tasting events. Entry to non-ticketed events is a one-off $10 fee and includes a Spiegelau glass to keep. Space may be limited, so bookings are encouraged. See the Adelaide Hills Wine Region website for the full program.

Wine tasting and open fires at Winter Reds. Photo: Andrew Beveridge/asbcreative.com

Langhorne Creek Cellar Treasures Weekend – August 13-14

Discover hidden gems at Langhorne Creek’s Cellar Treasures Weekend as the region’s cellar doors uncover some carefully cellared wines. Learn about the benefits of cellaring wines as you taste the difference. See the Langhorne Creek Wine website for more details about this free event.

Langhorne Creek Cellar Treasures Weekend at Lake Breeze Wines.

News, tips and information?

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