Lunch with Vanya Cullen

If there was one wine event in Brisbane that I would happily pay pretty much anything for, it's lunch with Vanya Cullen. Luckily, that's happening on Tuesday 1 September at Era Bistro.

The Cullen family was one of the pioneers of the Margaret River region in Western Australia. Vanya Cullen took over the mantle as the senior winemaker at Cullen in 1989 and has since become one of Australia's leading winemakers. Her flagship wine, the Diana Madeline, is widely regarded as one of the top cabernet blends in Australia. On top of that, Cullen has been actively pursuing biodynamics, receiving an organic vineyard certification in 2003.

I've been lucky enough to visit the cellar door a couple of times. Although the Cullen wines are sensational, its also a lovely spot to sit out on the verandah and enjoy a terrific lunch, right next to the vineyards.

If you can't jump on a plane tomorrow to Margaret River, the next best thing is to grab a ticket to lunch with Vanya Cullen at Era. Here are the food and wine matches:

Seared Scallop, Cucumber, flavours of Citrus
Tuna Loin, crisp Polenta & Pepperonata
Cullen ‘Mangan Vineyard’ Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Ceviche of Prawn
Cullen ‘Cullen Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2008

Western Australian Marron, Scampi Raviolo, Asparagus, Bisque & Sauce Vierge
Cullen Chardonnay 2006
Cullen Cabernet Merlot

Seared Margaret River Venison Loin, Witlof, Bacon, Walnuts & Port Jus
Cullen ‘Diana Madeline’ 2007
Cullen ‘Diana Madeline’ 2005

Pyengana Cloth Matured Cheddar & Ironstone Gouda with Muscatelles, Quince Paste & Lavosh
Cullen ‘Mangan Red’ Malbec Petit Verdot Merlot

Tickets to the lunch are $130, which are all inclusive (you'll need to reserve a ticket ahead). It's bound to be one of the best wine & food events in Brisbane this year.

Vanya Cullen Lunch
Tuesday 1 September 2009, 12pm
Era Bistro
Corner Melbourne & Merivale Streets
South Brisbane 4101
P - 07 3255 2033
E - admin@erabistro.com.au
W - http://www.erabistro.com.au/