The Venus Vinifera team, including founder Caitlin Baker (second from the left). Photo: Deejay Jukic.
Wine education organisation Venus Vinifera is once again hosting their wine event Frenzy – an afternoon of trade networking, public tasting and good food at Such and Such.
Venus Vinifera was established in 2021 as a community of women in the wine and hospitality industries. It’s grown to be a thriving education platform focussed on all things drinks, with the group expanding to cover other beverages. The group is inclusive of non-binary people and anyone with trans experience.
Frenzy is a twice-yearly event bringing some of Australia’s best producers and drinks portfolios to the capital. Trade events often bypass Canberra and focus on Sydney, so Venus Vinifera wanted to bring those opportunities to their members and the broader community here.
“We decided it would be good if we could use our platform to bring some producers to Canberra,” Venus Vinifera founder Caitlin Baker told Region.
“There’s a strong focus on female-led production. It’s not everyone, but as many as we can.”
Eck wines, made by Emily Kinsman, will be at Frenzy. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Some attendees include Victorian winemakers Emily Kinsman from Eck Wines in Heathcote and Clare Burder from Eminence Wines in Whitland. The Venus Vinifera crew tried to find producers who are making wines in the right way, focusing on sustainability and flavour.
“It’s basically just wines that we like,” Caitlin explained.
“We really try to focus on smaller producers who are just starting to get their name out there.”
The Spring Frenzy will once again be held at Such and Such, with vendors inside and outside. Photo: Anne Stroud.
This event will have around 20 different stallholders, and they’ve also branched out into spirits, beer and even non-alcoholic beverages. Wildflower Beer from Sydney will attend, along with Beechworth Bitters and T.I.N.A. (This Is Not Alcohol) who make complex, sparkling, non-alcoholic beverages.
“We’re trying to increase the offering and make it more accessible if you like beer or wine or spirits or you don’t even drink,” said Caitlin.
Frenzy will be open for a one-hour trade tasting before opening to the general public. The VV team hopes hospitality workers can make valuable connections and get to know a new segment of the wine and beverage industry.
Family-run Brazilian Barbecue food truck Brazbecue will be grilling meat for Frenzy customers. Photo: Brazbecue.
Food on the day will be available from local food trucks Brazbecue and Roundabout Bagels. The grassed area outside Such and Such has been made available for use, so the team are crossing their fingers for good weather so people can bring a picnic rug and relax under the sun. There will also be a DJ setting the vibe with some tunes, and they’re encouraging a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
All the wines at the tasting will be available for purchase, either by the glass to enjoy with a bagel in the sun or grab a bottle (or two) to take home. Dogs are welcome (even encouraged!) and this event is for everyone, regardless of gender. Tastings are 18+ only, of course, and your ticket includes a wine glass to take home and tastings for the afternoon.
Discounted tickets are available to those in the hospitality industry or for large groups. Contact the organisers to find out more.
Frenzy will occur at Such and Such, 220 London Circuit on Sunday, 15 October, from 1 pm to 5 pm. Follow Venus Vinifera on Instagram and visit their website. Follow Frenzy on Instagram, and find out more about Frenzy and buy tickets here.
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