The New York Magazine has singled out Brisbane’s Bar Barossa amongst a list of places not to be missed when visiting the city. “ Brisbane’s booming bar, restaurant, and art scenes mean it’s no longer playing third fiddle to Sydney and Melbourne”, the magazine reported and Bar Barossa got its special mention for “ the stellar local wine list and views of Brisbane’s Story Bridge”. Read more

If the likes of First Drop, Wine By Brad, Ad Hoc and Some Young Punks weren’t already enough to get you excited about the Gen Y Wine Fest, to be held at The Marriott Hotel on May 6th, then the addition of names such as Heemskerk, Arete, Les Petites Vignettes, Preveli and Winegrowers of Ara should seal the deal. Remember, the Gen Y Wine Fest isn’t just for our younger wine enthusiasts. It’s a unique chance to get along and taste some of the new guard’s finest wine and see how this generation of winemaker is reaching out to the consumer. Have a read of Max Allen’s thoughts on these new labels and approaches here

Only four wine makers have ever had the privilege of writing “winemaker of Penfolds Grange” on their resume. John Duval is one of those four (he was chief winemaker at Penfolds from 1986 to 2002) and on April 15 you can join him at Bar Barossa for an intimate and special degustation. John will be showcasing several vintages of his own label. Plexus, Entity and Eligo wines will be matched to four courses from Bar Barossa’s great new menu. We have also asked John to surprise us with a mystery wine to test our blind wine tasting ability.

Details: Dinner will commence at 7.30pm, $150 per person – limited to 40 places.

Bookings: Call 07 3832 3530 or email brisbane@barbarossa.com.au

In last week’s Courier Mail Taste Magazine, wine writer Tony Love wrote about the glories of 2009′s Eden Valley Riesling vintage.  “The Eden Valley’s finest from just a year ago are now hitting their straps”, Love said.  Among four wines chosen for special consideration was the 2009 Poonawatta Estate Eden Valley Riesling; “Perfumed blossoms in the backdrop with quite classic citrus florals, then a fine, crisp, fresh citrus juice/minerals mouth presence and a lingering finish. Another ripper”. We’re big fans of Riesling at Purple Palate, so drop in at any of our four locations and find a special bottle for yourself.

On April the 11th, Purple Palate Maleny and the Maleny Athletic and Cultural Association will be holding a charity Jacob’s Creek wine tasting at Finbar’s Lounge Bar. Come along for a look at wines from the ultra-premium Hertage Collection. The Reeves Point Chardonnay, Steingarten Riesling,  St Hugo Cabernet Sauvignon, Centenary Hill Shiraz and Johann Shiraz Cabernet will all be available.  There will be special deals on the night and all entry fees will go to the MACA charity, “Toys for Tots”. The event will run from 1pm-3pm.

$10 per person for pre bookings, $15 per person on the day.  To make a booking, or for further information, please phone 07 5494 2499 or email maleny@purplepalate.com