The Melbourne Good Food & Wine Show kicks off on May 30 to June 2 at MCEC, with a suite of winemakers ready to tempt your tastebuds with their best drops.
The team behind Darling Estate Wines, a family-run vineyard located along the Murray River, are all about championing sustainable farming and traditional winemaking. Their warm-climate vineyards produce bold reds and vibrant whites with genuine regional character. They’re favourites among locals, and ready to convert you at the stands too.
Sophie Darling spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
The King Valley is not quite a city, but is a truly wonderful part of Victoria. There is so much natural beauty to explore and dotted throughout are all the wonderful cellar doors, distilleries, and breweries to taste from along the way. I love seeing every season unfold across the landscape and bring a different flavour to the experience of the valley.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
Brunei night market chicken. On a layover in Brunei with seven hours to kill, we ducked out to the night market for some food. It was a pretty overwhelming experience with so much going on, hectic humidity and many different food options to choose from. This was the start of the trip and we talked about that chicken for the next two weeks. My partner has been trying to recreate the spice blend at home ever since.
FAVOURITE BAR
I spend a fair bit of time in Beechworth at the moment and can’t go past Michael Ryan’s Amaro Bar. That guy just does something so special when it comes to drink creation and it’s a really beautiful intimate setting perfect for sipping on a cocktail.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU.
I am going to go with a gin and soda. Simple on paper, but plenty of room for a bit of spark and mischief to shine through once you’ve got it in the glass.
BEST HANGOVER CURE.
Berocca in soda water. There’s something about the extra fizz that sets me right for the day.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
I am loving what the team at Bar Fameila are doing in Newtown, Sydney. Different wines each month and championing female winemakers and growers. I sat down for a flight of half glasses and it was so lovely to hear the story behind why each wine was selected.
OVERSEAS BAR
My tip is to just walk the streets until you happen upon something that delights you – my favourite experiences have always been the surprises that you just happen upon.
FAVOURITE WINE
My sister and I found a special bottle to celebrate our Dad’s 60th. A 1958 Gaja Barbaresco that he opened then and there. We weren’t expecting it but just made the whole experience so wonderful. Seeking it out, presenting it to him and then being able to share the experience of opening it and watching it develop over the course of many hours was so special.
FAVOURITE WINERY
I am ridiculously proud of our new cellar door in Whitfield, King Valley. We have worked really hard to create this beautiful space and food menu and I am stoked with the reception since opening in December. We’ve just lit the fire for the first time and it adds a whole new dimension to the atmosphere.
NEXT DESTINATION
I’m hoping to land in the Loire Valley for vintage 2025. After grafting chenin blanc last year, my sister and I are so excited about having the variety back in the winery. I’m on a mission to learn from the best and bring that knowledge home.
https://goodfoodshow.com.au/melbourne
