Oysters in the Vines

Cassegrain’s award winning wines and local Armstrong rock oysters will be celebrated at Cassegrain Wines annual ‘Oysters in the Vines’ event on Sunday 20 January, 2013 from 10.00am to 5.00pm.

Set amongst vineyards, shady tree lined avenues, blooming roses and stunning manicured gardens, ‘Oysters in the Vines’ will feature freshly shucked natural oysters as well as a sumptuous selection of exotic dressings including a special dressing created by John Susman, respected RAS oyster judge.

ABC radio’s Simon Marnie (also an RAS oyster judge) will be joining us on the day to host the Inaugural Armstrong Oysters National Shucking Championship and to generally be “our man behind the mic”. Also attending is Jim Wild, Champion oyster shucker (12 per minute) who will demonstrate the finer art of opening an oyster. Combined with our oyster educator Mark Bulley and John Susman there will be no excuses for not leaving knowing a lot more about oysters than when you arrived.

Entertainment is covered for all with well known local Jazz band “Dinner with Milton” performing and the Party Professionals are bringing along their new 6 metre slide along with a jumping castle and heaps more to keep the children entertained. The Koala Preservation Society who have been supported by the event since it first started have coaxed “True Blue” their mascot out of his Eucalypt tree to make a guest appearance on the day, something I am sure the younger folk will enjoy.

Non oyster lovers and vegetarians have not been forgotten and there will be a variety of choices available including fish with chips made from Comboyne potatoes, there will also be some sweet treats and non alcoholic beverages for those not drinking wine or beer. Additionally there will be some artist market stalls previewing the inaugural Artists markets in the vines commencing on Sunday 27 January in the Cassegrain grounds.

Chief winemaker and Managing Director of Cassegrain Wines John Cassegrain says, “’Oysters in the Vines’ is a highlight on our events calendar and is such a great way for us to kick off the New Year. Our region produces some of Australia’s best oysters so it’s gratifying to be able to showcase them matched with our wines.”

Local oyster grower Brandon Armstrong from Armstrong Oysters says, “We’ve been involved in ‘Oysters in the Vines’ for some years now and see this year’s event being bigger and better, particularly being the first year of our Shucking Championship. In previous years we’ve served about 1,000 dozen oysters at the event and this year we’re aiming for more than 1,500 dozen. Armstrong’s will be preparing the more traditional dishes of Oyster Kilpatrick and Oyster Mornay this year and opening oysters fresh on the day as well.

Entry to the ‘Oysters in the Vines’ food and wine event is only $5 per adult (children under 18 are free). ‘Oysters in the Vines’ proudly supports the Koala Preservation Society of NSW.

Ample free parking is available on-site for the event and guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic rugs and chairs to enjoy the alfresco family fun day. Outside food and alcohol are not permitted to be bought into the event.