Walking the walk and sipping all the way.

Urban Wine Walk hits St Kilda

Well this was allot of fun. Let me talk you through the steps of how the Urban Wine Walk works… First you pay online then on the day of the event you register and receive your pink wrist bands your Urban Wine Walk wine tumblers and a few discount vouchers — top tip remember the food voucher is only to be used at your first venue this all happens at 12 midday.

Having done a few of their other wine walks I had a little idea of what to expect. These walks are FUN and self paced, that said you do have to keep your sipping your wonderful wine varietals and move otherwise you won’t get around the nine bars/wine bars/restaurants so sup your wine!

I chose my adventure to start at the Espy (The Esplanade) where Rob Dolan Wines were showcasing there selection of three a Blancs de Blancs, Marsanne and a delicious 2020 Casa di Rosso. Amanda fielded a lot of questions and talked us through the tasting trio. Meanwhile I ordered a mixed charcuterie and cheese platter and was able to use my starting venue discount vouchers against the purchase of food and a discount voucher against my order of six of their very drinkable red.

Walking from wine bar or restaurant to the next bar it was fun to stop and view some cool sculptures, street art (great painting of Paul Kelly) breathe in the gorgeous salt air and have a little fun at the beach.

On the walk I saw familiar faces such as Stuart Dudine of Alkimi Wines from the Yarra Wine whose 2021 Marsanne is superb.

However on this Wine Walk I was interested in meeting some new faces and wineries that I hadn’t come across previously so was delighted to meet the owner of Rhino Tiger Bear at Loti. This Mornington Peninsula winery was really interesting – their brand name is made up of all the members of the family: Rhiannon, Owen, Frederick, Tiger and Leonardo Bear, which creates an enticing modern brand with their visuals shown in their company wheels. I loved trying their Pinot Noir with Tempranillo Cabernet Shiraz which was fruity, juicy and fun to drink with a hint of tobacco and smoked sweet pepper — quite delicious.

Upstairs at Captain Baxter the team from Tokar Estate had a wonderful view across Republica and St Kilda Beach. I learnt from Daniel Tokar that the vineyard has now not only a cellar door but a restaurant and event space. They were showing a 2022 Coldstream vineyard chardonnay, 2019 Estate Tempranillo and a 2020 Carafe & tumbler Pinot Shiraz something for everyone. They have the shortest lunch coming up which would be fun to get to.

Another winery that stood out was showcased at The Vineyard a St Kilda bar with a huge history. Nikki Palun is a young wine maker in Port Melbourne. She has been nurturing her winemaking for the past 10 years. Susuro Wines and Octtava Wines has some cracking varieties however I loved her 2020 Octopus Montepulciano which was very gluggable.

Lastly there was another St Kilda bar called Lona where I found Black & Ginger a simply stunning find. Sadly it was a little late in the day and couldn’t spend the time with the owners that they deserved. Their 2022 Lorelei Gewürztraminer (a Silver medalist from the Ballarat Wine Show and Gold medal winner from the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show) this was possibly the top wine I sampled of the day and I felt terrible to sample and run — but this is the thing about the Urban Wine Walk there are hidden gems and if you don’t keep up you will miss out. Remember the pouring stops at 4pm.

Top tip

Remember you can only use your discount voucher at your nominated starting venue.

You will receive a few $25 vouchers to use against a six pack this is to be used on the day and often the wineries will offer free delivery.

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