Take it as red: Best fine wines you’ll ever taste

GEELONG publican Cam O’Keefe is using his passion for hospitality to help educate local lovers of all things wine and spirits with an impressive run of masterclasses.

After having near sold-out gin, cocktail and rum tasting nights at Centra Hotel recently, he’s taking it to the next level with a red wine extravaganza offering those interested in wine the opportunity to taste some of the world’s premium reds alongside some of the best kept secrets.

“Winter is a great time for red wine too, so we’ve worked to get as many different distributors together as possible. It’s all about getting people to taste things they normally wouldn’t taste,” he said.

“As a highlight of this event, you’ll be given the chance to try multiple vintages of Australia’s most iconic red wine — Penfold’s Grange — among other wellknown brilliant reds.

“Now winter is upon us, we thought what better chance than to open a few bottles of our favourite reds for our customers in one major tasting event.”

Rum fans learned the tricks of the trade from Appleton Estate during a masterclass at Centra Hotel last week. Campari brand ambassador Jamie Chesher schooled participants on what to look for in a good rum.

“The more you swirl rum, the more agitated and angry it gets, and the more aromas that’ll lift off,” he said.

“Most wines are 14 per cent alcohol while spirits are 40 per cent. “Hold the glass to your moustache. “From this you should be able to look for orange peel, green banana and, on any given day, perhaps spices and apricot.”