Next month, WA’s Southern Forests and Valleys will welcome the return of Pinot Picnic – a three-day festival dedicated to the emerging wine region’s star varietal, pinot noir.
Placed on hold last year (for Covid-related reasons), 2023 marks the festival’s second iteration. Taking place over the last weekend in April, events include Paddle Around the World With Organic Pinot at Mountford Wines; Truffle Brunch With Sparkling Pinot at Truffle Hill Wines; and vintage French-style picnic, Noir et Blanc at newcomer winery and distillery, Ampersand Estates. And all in a region that’s less than a three-hour drive from Perth.
Pinot Picnic spokesperson and president of the Southern Forests Wine Region, Andrew Mountford of Mountford Wines, says the festival’s return is the result of its resounding success in 2021, and that visitors can expect exceptional gourmet food and pinot pairings from local producers.
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“This year there’s a vast array of premium pinot alongside some outstanding regional produce. Things like cheeses, fruits, truffles, pinots of all varieties – all that and more will be on the table,” he tells Broadsheet.
“Pinot is something we can really hang our hat on in this area of WA,” Mountford says. “Because of the cooler climate and the versatility of the grape, the region’s winemakers can produce a variety of quality pinots, and the festival weekend is a great way for visitors to explore the beauty of the region in autumn.”
Pinot Picnic also has the backing of hospitality heroes, chef Benoit Lasplace (ex-Rockpool and Print Hall), and WA Good Food Guide Sommelier of the Year 2023, Nina Throsby – both ambassadors for this year’s festival.
French-born Lasplace, who has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, and is due to reopen his high-end French-style bistro, Mistelle in the Perth suburb of Shenton Park in April, says he’s witnessed the rise of pinot noir over recent years, with customers keen to pair classic French varietals with food.
“The Pemberton and Manjimup sub-regions [of the Southern Forests and Valleys] have built up a stellar reputation in a very short period, producing wines that any French connoisseur would compare to the burgundy reds,” he says.
Kailis Hospitality Group sommelier Throsby – who’s been responsible for the wine list at The Shorehouseand Island Market Trigg for the last seven years – will make spot appearances over the weekend, and says she’s excited about the freshness of the region.
“One of the greatest things about the Southern Forests and Valleys is that it’s not as defined as some of the bigger, more well-known wine regions of the world yet, so there’s no archetype for the type of pinots they’re producing,” she says.
“With its cooler climate, you’re seeing a lot more producers and brands – such as those from Margaret River – moving into or buying fruit from the region. From light-style pinots to serious examples of wine that are more savoury and age well, going well with meats – the best thing is the region’s variety.”
Pinot Picnic launches Friday April 28 at 10am. For event information and tickets visit www.pinotpicnic.com.