TWO Perth musicians and their colleagues in the Australian String Quartet have teamed up with Saracen Estate, Vasse Felix and Fraser Gallop Estate to bring WA a three-day Margaret River weekend of music, wine and food on April 16 to 18.
Anne Horton is from Tuart Hill and Sally Boud is a Fremantle local. Mosman Park resident Michael Lishman of law firm Cochrane Lishman Carson Luscombe, is on the group’s board.
There is a program of four concerts performed by the ASQ and its four guest artists at the wineries, including soprano Greta Bradman. Each of the concerts is associated with either gourmet lunches or dinners and the host winery’s produce.
Marshall McGuire, Australia’s leading harpist and executive manager of artistic planning with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, will host and perform at the events.
Saracen Estates concert and dinner
The weekend begins on the Friday night at Saracen Estate with canapés on arrival before the opening concert. This will be followed by a three-course winery dinner by leading chef Michael Dixon.
Vasse Felix concert and wine master class
The second concert on Saturday morning is at the Vasse Felix Holmes à Court Gallery and will be followed by a picnic lunch in their sculpture garden among the vines.
After lunch, Virginia Willcock, Vasse Felix’s senior winemaker – and the reason behind their last 18 months of national wine show cabernet and chardonnay triumphs – will host a wine master class for those concert-goers interested.
Pat Poynton’s secret garden in Willyabrup
This can be followed by a hosted visit to Pat Poynton’s Willyabrup secret garden with its flowering pear tree avenue, wisteria covered walls, heritage roses and a glorious range of Iris.
Fraser Gallop Estate concert and gala dinner
Nigel Gallop will host the exclusive (100-person) Saturday evening concert in the dining room of his palatial home at Fraser Gallop Estate, followed by dinner in the winery barrel hall, prepared by well respected local chef, Danny Angove.
Concluding concert and lunch – Vasse Felix
The weekend concludes on Sunday with a late-morning concert before a relaxing Vasse Felix restaurant lunch prepared by their award-winning chef, Aaron Carr.
Concert packages include:
Cabernet
$880 a person includes admission to all four concerts, participation in the wine Masterclass (limited places), entry to Margaret River’s Secret Garden, three-course dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings, Saturday lunch and Sunday three-course lunch, all served with matching wines.
Shiraz
$550 a person includes admission to three concerts (Friday evening, Saturday lunch and Sunday morning), entry to Margaret River’s Secret Garden, three-course dinner on Friday and picnic lunch on Saturday, all served with matching wines.
Merlot
$235 a person includes admission to two concerts (Saturday lunch and Sunday morning) and picnic lunch on Saturday – including a glass of wine.
Call the ASQ on 1800 040 444 for details.