Alternative Reality: how Australian wine changed course

We're celebrating the launch of Max Allen's new book, Alternative Reality: how Australian wine changed course.

If you have been into a wine store lately you'll have noticed that Australian wine has been through a revolution. Shelves are full of new grape varieties and new wine styles. Its no longer just Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc! The truth is much has changed about the way Australians now think about and enjoy wine. Much of this change can be traced back to a fledgling wine competition in Mildura, in the remote northwest of Victoria first held in 2001.

Since 2001, the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show (AAVWS) has examined and championed exciting new non-mainstream grapes , with bus loads of leading winemakers, sommeliers, writers and viticulturists from all over the country gathering together each November to talk and taste, to swap ideas, and to imagine a different wine landscape.

Max Allen, who has been at almost all of the AAVWS has now written the story of the tiny wine show that could; telling not only the story of the show, but also the stories of the people who made it happen and the stories of the over 150 different alternative grape varieties that now call Australia home.

We will be hosting Max in conversation with Jane Faulkner, the immediate past Chairman of Judges of the AAVWS. Whilst Max and Jane are telling the stories behind the stories, we'll be pouring tastes of some of the exciting award winning alternative varieties you can now find.

Please join us on Thursday 23rd November for a wonderful conversation with Max and Jane about the Australian Alternative Varieties and the enduring, industry changing wine show.

Tickets are limited.

FAQs

I can't attend an event, can I buy/pre-order a signed copy of the book?

Yes. Copies will be available for signing and purchase on the night. If you can't attend, we can organise to post signed and personalised copies to you.

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

If you haven't been to one of our events for a while, please note we have moved to the northern side of the Queen Victoria Market. Our new address is 115-121 Victoria Street (next to A Shed)

The 19, 20, 57 (Elizabeth St)and 55 (William & Peel St) trams go past the Queen Victoria Market and run frequently. We are in the Free Tram Zone and are a short 50m walk from the Elizabeth St Queen Victoria Market stop and the Peel St Queen Victoria Market stop. Melbourne Central and Flagstaff railway stations are two blocks away.

If driving, there is plenty of metered parking on Queen St near the corner of Victoria St. There is also limited parking on Victoria Street outside the store.