Warrandyte is now home to Victoria’s newest drinking destination with the launch of Pietro Gallus Estate’s Tasting Bar — a new bar and alfresco area, welcoming guests for Grappa tastings and tipples this summer.
Renowned nationwide as the pioneers of Australian Grappa, the Pietro Gallus team have used the stunning space to share their passion for Grappa, looking to change the public’s perception of the misunderstood Italian liquor one tasting at a time.
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. 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,” says Di Pietro.
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.
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. Sit down and sip on one of six exclusive flights of expertly selected grappa, liqueurs, and craft spirits.
Flights include:
- Bassano — Grappa di Prosecco, Grappa al Caffè
An introduction to Pietro Gallus’ flagship range, served in the traditional way
- Amalfi — Grappa di Moscato, Limoncello Classico, Limoncello Crema
Encompassing all things La Dolce Vita, taking guests on a holiday to the Amalfi Coast - Sicilia — Grappa di Pinot Grigio, Liquore all’Arancia, Liquore al Cioccolato
Evocative of a favourite childhood choc-orange sweet - Calabria — Grappa al Caffè, Liquore al Cioccolato, Liquore alla Liquirizia
For coffee lovers and sweet tooths - Warrandyte — Grappa di Moscato, Olive Leaf Vodka, Crossover Gin
A mix of Grappa and crafted spirits, where Italian garden meets Australian bushland - Estate — Grappa di Moscato, Grappa di Pinot Grigio, Grappa Stravecchia
All things Grappa. Finish with our most premium Grappa Stravecchia, aged for over twenty-four months in ex-Cognac casks
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.
Additionally, Pietro Gallus’ highly-anticipated Grappa Stravecchia is now ready — an Australian Barbera Aged Grappa that is the very first of its kind in the country. Barrel-aged for a minimum of 24 months, this limited release Grappa is the newest and most premium of the Pietro Gallus range, with extremely limited quantities available.
About Pietro Gallus Estate:
Located 30 minutes from Melbourne CBD in the rolling hills of Warrandyte, the picturesque Pietro Gallus Estate celebrates the sweet life through its winery, cellar door, renowned restaurant Olivigna, and Grappa distillery. Founded by husband and wife team John Di Pietro and Anna Gallo, the 20-acre estate transports visitors to the Italian countryside with its abundance of Mediterranean flora and charm.
As the first of its kind in Australia, the Pietro Gallus Estate grappa distillery is run by head distiller Nathan Rigby. Rigby and his team use century-old techniques and Italian methods to create artisanal Grappa and liqueurs, changing the public’s perception of Grappa one tasting at a time.
Website: www.pietrogallusestate.com.au
Address: 54-56 Brumbys Rd, Warrandyte South VIC 3134
