Crazy And Delicious Sparkling Wines From Down Under Now In Florida

Thanks to Wine Victoria for inviting me to an educational wine seminar featuring their wines. They provided me and others in attendance with a free wine tasting for education and in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Australian Sparkling Wines

Last week's Wine Wednesday post extolled the virtues of "Try January" over "Dry January." The first is embracing trying new things, the later is for those who want to reset after the holidays and abstain from alcohol. It is in the spirit of trying new things that I introduce you to some crazy and delicious sparkling wines from down under. Best part, these sparkling Australian wines are beginning to show up on shelves and wine lists in Florida. In addition, some are from a big bold grape where delicate bubbles are unexpected.

I attended an educational seminar and wine tasting in Miami this week with Wine Victoria. The organization brought in dozens of unique wines found in the various regions within Victoria, Australia. Victoria is in the southeastern part of the country. It is the second smallest state and produces much more than shiraz. If there is one grape that Australia is perhaps most famous for, it is shiraz.

Also known as syrah, the Aussie version of the wine is called shiraz and tends to be more concentrated, peppery, with blue and blackberry flavors. Taking these dark, bold berries and making them into sparkling wine was a fun fascination for those attending Wine Victoria's tasting. It's not something you see often and it's not something I can remember trying before. I have never been shy about my love of sparkling wine and Champagne. The first thing I did was seek out the sparklers at this grand tasting.

Enjoy "Try January" and try sparkling wine from Australia. Especially ones made from shiraz. If you see one, buy it and enjoy Wine Wednesday.
*Drink Responsibly

Thanks to Rooftop at Riverside for inviting me to review their new business.  They provided me with samples of food and signature cocktails in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Downtown Bonita Springs is one of the most exciting, up and coming areas of Southwest Florida. Some fantastic new bars and restaurants have been opening and they are not chains. However, they are locally owned establishments that offer elevated food, drinks, and cool vibes. This week, a new addition to the dining and entertainment scene opens to the public. Here is a sneak peak of the Rooftop At Riverside food truck park.

Food truck parks are all the rage right now. Not only does almost every community in Southwest Florida have one, but also, they are each unique. I took a tour of Rooftop at Riverside with a few other local media folks this week. The park officially opens to the public Thursday. I love it. I predict it will be a big hit.

The food offerings cover everything from seafood and burgers, to ice cream and crepes. Here are a few of the trucks scheduled to serve year-round at the food truck park Bonita Springs. Check it out.

In addition, there is a Mexican cuisine food truck called No Manches. However, it was not on site at the time of our tour.

Rooftop at Riverside is right across from the popular Riverside Park. It is in the heart of downtown Bonita. It has a green space in the back with games for the entire family. In addition, there are two bars here. In fact, it's the only food truck park in Southwest Florida with a rooftop bar. Sit here. The view is fantastic. Watch the action on Old 41 and the fun at Riverside Park.

Tables have umbrellas to shade the sun and the glass doors can open on a nice day to bring the outside in. The bar program was developed by Phil Wils who appeared on the television show Bar Rescue. The names of the craft cocktails have a nod to Bonita. Each has a unique twist. In addition, all the ingredients used are fresh.  Alcohol infusions are also done in house. Ask the bartenders about the margarita on tap. It is supposed to be great. Try it. Let me know.

Finally, the Rooftop At Riverside opens in Bonita Springs and here are a few photos to whet your appetite. Go. Have fun. Support local businesses. Cheers.

Phil Wils, famously known for his mixology prowess on the show Bar Rescue.