MasterChef Australia presenter Matt Preston has given his seal of approval to cookery classes in the King Valley.
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He described Politini Wines’ Cook and Dine with Nonna events, which are part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival in March, as a top five regional pick in metropolitan media.
Politini Wines operators Salvatore (Sam) and Josie Politini will offer their hands-on Sicilian cooking demonstrations at their Cheshunt winery on March 5 and 12.
Preston’s recommendation stated: “Josie makes the best cannoli you can have in Australia anywhere.”
Sam and Josie’s daughter Bianca Politini said it was “amazing” feedback from the English-born food journalist and television personality.
She said he had remarked on their fresh-filled cannoli during a visit to the King Valley.
“He’s come up to our place a couple of times; he’s a nice guy and we appreciate his recommendation,” she said.
The Cook and Dine with Nonna workshops include a Sicilian salami-making demonstration using Salvatore Politini's family recipe, making Sicilian salsicce (sausage), Nonna's polpette (meatballs), creamy potato polenta and rich Italian sugo.
Ms Politini said participants would be shown how to make traditional salami, which would give them the skills to make their own at home.
“They will be shown how to cut the meat, use the right fat and fill the casing without any air pockets,” she said.
“They will also be shown how to make sausages and pork-rib sugo; we use the sugo on polenta for lunch.”
Participants will share the meal with the family while Salvatore serenades diners with Italian folk tunes on his piano accordion.
Politini Wines winemaker Luis Simian will select wines to accompany the meal.
The winery focuses on producing small quantities of elegant, fruit-driven cool climate wines.
The King Valley is one of Australia's most important regions for cool climate and Italian varietal wines.
The event finishes with tea or espresso and Nonna Josie’s homemade dolce, biscotti and the renowned cannoli.
Cook and Dine with Nonna classes, which are limited to 10 people, run from 9am until 2pm, though diners often linger.
Winter cookery classes will be held at the winery on July 2, 9, 16 and 23 and August 6, 2016.
The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, which runs March 4-13, will also host 20 Regional World’s Longest Lunches simultaneously on Friday, March 4.
Falls Creek Alpine Resort will host its third Regional World’s Longest Lunch with the majestic mountains providing the perfect backdrop to chef Barry Iddles creative menu, matched with wines from nearby vineyards.
