Chris AshtonByron Bay wine lovers are cleansing their palates in anticipation of the town’s first natural wine fair – FULL MOON – on May 14, with Luna Wine Store set to host the inaugural event at Secret Garden, just down the road.
Featuring 20 producers and distributors of bio-dynamic and organically farmed wines, made with little intervention in the cellar, FULL MOON is an opportunity to get to know the faces behind the wines and sample some damn good vintages in the process too.
Luna Wine Store co-owner Russ Berry describes the one-day festival as a way of bringing the community together to meet some of the country’s most exciting producers, whilst also being able to help some people that really need it right now.
“We want to create an environment where people want to engage, learn, and ask questions, as well as tasting a few wines and having a dance,” he adds.
All profits on the day to the rebuild fund of the Koori Mail, Australia’s national aboriginal newspaper, which was recently impacted by the devasting floods in nearby Lismore.
Since the flood hit, Koori Mail Lismore has become a hub for the local response. Bundjalung woman Ella Bancroft, who spearheaded the assisting of those in the local community, will also join FULL MOON to discuss the importance of Koori Mail’s efforts.
At $65, ticket holders will enjoy a 2-hour tasting session (12-2pm or 3-5pm), which includes a branded wine glass and the opportunity to sample wine with all 20 producers.
Each producer will have two-four wines on offer, giving ticket holders the opportunity to tasting up to 80 different wines, as well as personal conversations with each.
The wine line-up includes cult Australian favourite Owen Latta; local hero Jarred Dixon of Jilly Wine Co; Australian natural wine darlings Tim and Monique from the Adelaide Hills and their Manon wines; and dynamic duo Chateau Acid from Gippsland in Victoria.
They will also be joined by celebrated chef Dave Verheul, one of the leading names in Australia’s burgeoning vermouth movement with micro-batches of Saison vermouth; and LoFi Wines, who will bring a collection of local and international producers with a focus on low-intervention in the cellar and a passion for good drinking in the glass.
The bar will also be be serving drinks from 12pm-10pm, and from 5.30pm everyone can get can their boogie on with local DJ talent In The Flowers and DJ Charlie Chux.
Expect many rare varietal wines by the glass from $15, and pizza by Milk & Honey.
FULL MOON will be held at Secret Garden in Byron Bay. Tickets on sale now.
