pizzini

I've mentioned before that one of the perks of living in Mansfield is its proximity to the scenically beautiful food and wine haven of the King Valley. We first fell in love with the Pizzini winery about 15 years ago when you could go to the very basic tasting room and buy their wines a little cheaper than you could get them in Mansfield. At that time you couldn't buy Pizzini wines other than in the local area, but now they are very popular all over Australia. The winery itself has changed a lot these days - it is now a very professional operation. It has a lovey big tasting room and cooking school with beautiful grounds for special celebrations.

Recently, my friend Kirsty and I have been to two fantastic days at Pizzini.  The first was during the last school holidays when we attended the Pasta Making cooking class.  We learned a lot about pasta and sauce making from Katrina Pizzini, who learned all that she knows about Italian cooking from Nonna Pizzini. As well as learning a lot, it was just such a fun day spent cooking and then sharing lunch (accompanied by Pizzini wines) with a great bunch of women. When we left I remarked to Kirsty that it was one of the best days I've ever spent in my whole life - that is honestly how special it was.

We're already planning to go back next year with our husbands to the "Ladies and Lads" cooking course.

Then we had reason to go back to Pizzini just a couple of weeks ago to their "Gnocchi Festival" which was part of the whole King Valley's "Italian Spirit" wine festival. It was another fantastic experience. A stunningly beautiful sunny day as well as the garden setting added to the delicious food and wine made it all perfect.  But for two women with five young children, what really made the day a success was all the activities for children - kite making, a huge sandpit full of toys, mask making, circus skills and lots of different sporting equipment.  We were able to sit and chat over our wine and food while the kids were entertained and safe and we could see them. Bliss.... We'll definitely be back for that again next year, with or without husbands.