By Suzan Ryan, editor bars&clubs
Ketel One brand ambassador Chris Hysted and Hardie Grant scribe Sheridan Wright have seen their first attempt at winemaking – Guns N Rosé, in the 2014 Wine Baptism of Fire winemaking competition – sell out prior to release.
The Baptism of Fire competition involves three vineyards and six wines made by six teams pairing novices with professional winemakers, with the winner announced in December.
This year’s competition includes six teams:
TEAM MAYER
Led by Timo Mayer of Gembrook Hill, Ricky Sam a graphic designer and food blogger and Michael Smith a fashion blogger are winemaking at Mac Forbes winery, with Shiraz from Thousand Candles.
TEAM FORBES
Led by Mac Forbes of Mac Forbes Wines, Meg Power and Jacqueline Turner from Bellota Wine Bar & Food are winemaking at Mac Forbes winery, with Shiraz from Thousand Candles.
TEAM FAGAN
Led by Sarah Fagan of DeBortoli Wines, Rockpool sommelier, Wiremu Andrews, and Jess Ho (ex Chin Chin and now Time Out Melbourne) are winemaking with Shiraz from De Bortoli.
TEAM WEBBER
Led by Steve Webber of DeBortoli Wines, Malatesta and Matt Perger of St Ali coffee roasters are winemaking with Shiraz from De Bortoli.
TEAM LAPALUS
Led by Gilles Lapalus of Sutton Grange, Sydney's Matt Swieboda (Love Tilly Devine) and James Hird (chef and owner, Wine Library) are winemaking at Bindi with Shiraz from Mount Langi Ghiran.
TEAM HARROP
Led by Matt Harrop of Shadowfax, Ketel One ambassador Chris Hysted and Hardie Grant scribe Sheridan Wright are winemaking at Bindi with shiraz from Mount Langi Ghiran.
L-R: Chris Hysted with winemaker Matt Harrop
The winner of Wine Baptism of Fire will beannounced in December: http://www.winebof.com/blog/
Those keen to taste Chris and Sheridan’s Guns N Rosé, can buy a glass at The Rum Diary Bar, Madame Brussels, La Chinesca and Elyros.
For more information, visit gunsnrosewine.com or winebof.com.au