Pietro Gallus Estate’s Grappa Tasting Bar has opened in Warrandyte, combining the best of Italy and Australia.
Located on the Yarra River and surrounded by the remnant natural bushland of Warrandyte State Park, Warrandyte has long been a go-to destination for those wanting to escape from the hustles and bustles of life to recharge and get back to the basics… away from the screen. Sitting just 30 km from the city and just a 1.5-hour drive from Geelong, we’ve just been gifted another reason to visit the outer suburb with Victoria’s newest drinking destination: Pietro Gallus Estate’s Grappa Tasting Bar.
Officially opening today, the new bar and alfresco area is dedicated entirely to the Italian liquor Grappa (a fragrant spirit made from grapes), welcoming guests for Grappa tastings and tipples this summer.
The key takeaways
- A new Tasting Bar at the picturesque Pietro Gallus Estate in Warrandyte serves up its award-winning Australian Grappa
- Their head distiller uses century-old Italian methods and modern distilling techniques to create Pietro Gallus’ award-winning drop
- The family have created the estate as Tuscan villa in Warrandyte that combines the best of Italy and Australia.
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Renowned nationwide as the pioneers of Australian Grappa, the Pietro Gallus are using this stunning space with the aim of changing the public’s perception of the misunderstood Italian liquor – one tasting at a time. As both an Italian and a fan of distilleries, I for one am very pleased about this news.
Neighbouring the estate’s celebrated restaurant Olivigna and Australia’s first grappa distillery, the Tasting Bar has been designed and built by Pietro Gallus owner John Di Pietro and provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside with avenues of Italian Cypress trees and olive groves transporting you to the Mediterranean.
“We follow treasured recipes that trace back centuries. In the early 1900s, Anna’s family distilled Grappa at Mount Vesuvius, Naples, and Northern Italy. We’re all about authenticity and tradition,” says Di Pietro.
“From the estate grounds to our Grappa range, what we have created is true to our Italian tradition and upbringing. To be awarded locally and internationally for our Grappa and Liqueur has made us so proud. We have competed against some of the oldest and most famous distilleries in Italy, and we have only been in operation for six years! This proves that our product is of the utmost quality.
“Now, with the addition of the new Tasting Bar, which houses our vast grappa, liqueur, and craft spirits, everyone can enjoy and share grappa with friends this Summer.”
Featuring floor-to-ceiling black steel-framed windows, a striking 7.5-metre polished concrete bar, and a palette of earthy tones and natural finishes, the Tasting Bar is a place to meet the makers and enjoy Pietro Gallus’ estate-made artisanal Grappa, spirits, liqueurs, wine, and beer.
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As the first of its kind in Australia, head distiller Nathan Rigby has honed his craft at the estate for six years, using century-old Italian methods and modern distilling techniques to create Pietro Gallus’ award-winning drops. Here you’ll be able to sit down and sip on one of six exclusive flights of expertly selected grappa, liqueurs, and craft spirits. From an introduction to the flagship range, to a flight encompassing all things La Dolce Vita, and even one for the coffee lovers and sweet tooths, these flights will challenge everything you thought you knew about the famed spirit.
As well as Grappa flights, the Tasting Menu includes cocktails highlighting the estate liqueurs. Think Grappa Sour made with the Grappa di Moscato and Espresso Martini made with Grappa al Caffè. The cocktail list includes Martini, Choc Orange, Choc Bullet, Perfect Negroni, and the classics such as Old-fashioned Manhattan and Martini.
Guests can take home what they’ve tasted, with five different grappas, six liquors, three craft spirits, seven wines, ten pre-packed cocktails, and multiple sample packs available for purchase, all made on-site by the Pietro Gallus distillers.
You’ll find the Tasting Bar at 54-56 Brumbys Rd, Warrandyte South and visit from Thursday – Sunday. You can find out more here.
