For more than 30 years, the Mazzarella Homemade Wine Competition, created in memory of late club member Paolo Mazzarella, has been a fixture for members and friends of the Rosebud Italian Club.
Left to right: Giuseppe Di Benedetto, Vittorio Onnis, Paolo Calafiore, Lisa Andew, Maria Serapiglia, Claudio Dicamillo, Aldo Martello, Antonio Serapiglia, Laurie D’Alia, Michele Dellagatta, Vincenzo Puglisi and Amarico Giandomenico
The competition, which focuses mostly on red wines, has seen a distinctive evolution over the years. In the past, the judging was entrusted to external experts, but the formula never really convinced participants—each firmly convinced that their own wine was the superior one.
So the club decided to change course: no more external judges. Today, the competitors themselves evaluate the wines.
All 12 participants sit around a table and taste together, in a setting that is not professional but profoundly communal, where the goal is to strengthen the sense of togetherness more than to crown a winner.
Most competitors come from the Mornington Peninsula, with a few from Melbourne. Each brings three bottles to the club—one reserved for the tasting session and the other two shared among guests during the evening’s dinner-dance.
The tasting takes place at 5 p.m. behind closed doors, followed by the dinner and dance starting at 6 p.m.
This year’s edition was held on November 15, culminating in an evening that brought together 180 people.
During the event the winners were announced, while all other competitors received an encouragement prize.
The final results saw Aldo Martello take first place, followed by Vince Puglisi in second and Maria Serapiglia in third.
It was a successful evening, defined by conviviality and a shared passion for homemade wine.
Dining and Cooking