Join fellow wine lovers as you are led through an evening of wines from Australia and New Zealand! Anyone can drink wine, but it takes practice to recognize and distinguish a wine's characteristics. Learn how to taste wine like the pros in no time, starting with your basic senses – look, smell and taste – and expanding from there. In addition to learning the key aspects of wine tasting, you will also be provided with an overview of the wine regions in these countries, history and description of each of the wines you will sample.

Event Details
Date: Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: University Hall                   
Conference Center, 7th Floor
Cost: $35 pre-registered / $50 at the door*
$25 rate valid ONLY for the Class of 2017

Registration
Must be 21 or older to attend. Proper ID is required for verification. Please register by April 3 by using the form below. You may also call the Office of Alumni Relations at 973-655-4141.

*Registration includes dinner, beverages, and a $5 contribution to The Fund for Montclair State. Thank you for your support of Montclair State University! 

All visitors are directed to park in the Red Hawk Parking Deck for a nominal fee. For questions, call the Office of Alumni Relations at 973-655-4141.

Space is limited. If you do not pre-register, walk-in registration is $50 and will be based on available seating.

Set on the seventh story of University Hall, The Conference Center has a million-dollar panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline that will leave you breathless!

Wines of Australia and New Zealand

NZ Sauvignon Blanc Wairau River, Marlborough
It has been said that there is no wine anywhere in the world that tastes like the wine of Marlborough – the balance of extraordinary purity and intensity of flavors set around impressive aroma, distinctive fruit characteristics and appealing balanced acidity is superb. These are stylish, exciting wines that surprise and delight. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from a remarkable family owned winery known for their small batch "vine to bottle" approach. Notes of pink grapefruit, passionfruit and gooseberry complement a finely textured palate. This would be pair well with shellfish, seafood and chicken.

Australian Riesling Pewsey Vale, Eden Valley
Pewsey Vale Vineyard’s love affair with Riesling started in 1847, when our vineyard was the first planted in the Eden Valley. A hidden utopia, our family reinvigorated Pewsey Vale Vineyard in the 1960s. The focus fell sharply on the beauty and diversity of Riesling in its many forms. Pewsey Vale Vineyard Riesling is a classic example of dry Eden Valley Riesling, showing the flavors we see so consistently each year from this wonderful single vineyard. Intense aromas of talcum and lemon lime fruit, with a fine floral perfume overlaying dried herb. Notes of limes, white flowers and fresh rosemary. This would pair wonderfully with a goat cheese or roasted poultry. 

NZ Pinot Noir Yealands, Marlborough
New Zealand Pinot Noir is a rich, silky wine with juicy ripe cherries. Fresh earth, cedar and spicy black licorice notes sneak in on the finish, along with a dried rose petal accent. An ideal partner with lighter meat dishes like lamb fillet and fresh rosemary or tomato based pasta recipes. 

Australian Shiraz Jim Barry "Lodge Hill", Clare Valley
Jim Barry Wines is a family winery based in the Clare Valley of South Australia. The company was founded in 1959 by Jim and Nancy Barry. The company is now owned and managed by Peter Barry, a second generation family winemaker. The Lodge Hill Shiraz vineyard, on the Clare Valley’s eastern ranges, has soils of rock. The cracks between the rocks have filled with soil, providing passage for the vine roots and free drainage- the ideal environment for low-yielding shiraz vines. This is a deep red with a bright magenta hue. Aromatically it offers bright mixed berry and plus, with an overlay of garden herbs, violet florals a touch of clove spice. The palate is medium bodied and dominated by lively burst of berry fruits and framed by fine, powdery tannins. Juicy plum and blackberry flavors persist through the finish with sweet spice and florals to close.

Langmeil GSM Three Gardens, 2012 
Story Behind the Wine Old Barossa vignerons referred to their vineyards as gardens. The Three Gardens is a contemporary blend of Shiraz, Mataro and Grenache – traditional varieties grown in the Barossa since the 1840s. The best characteristics of each variety have been chosen to create this unique premium red blend. These three varieties have provided inspiration for the Barossa since the 1840s and when blended together they are responsible for some of the great wines of the world. Maturation in seasoned oak for twelve months ensures the fruit and spice isn’t overpowered, retaining the finesse.

On the Menu

  • Imported and Domestic Cheese with Fruit, Crackers and Crostini
  • Roasted Chicken with Rosemary Jus
  • Zucchini and Patty Pan Squash, Roasted Garlic and Cilantro
  • Crispy Rosti Potatoes
  • Garden Salad
  • Chocolate Crackle and  Mini Lamington Squares

About the Sommelier – Gerry Piserchia
Gerry has his father to thank for the opportunities and adventures he has experienced in the world of wine. Growing up in an Italian household, wine was a part of every dinner but it was his advice that finding not just a job, but a lifestyle that led Gerry to the study of wine. He began his career in wine working for noted retailer Carlo Russo where he was exposed to the great wines of the world through the tasting group, Les Amis du Vin. While working there, he worked at numerous tastings and dinners and was able to meet and talk to many wine makers and winery owners. Traveling to California for the first time in 1988, he was struck by the rural beauty and friendliness of the people he met. More than twenty-five years have passed and each and every trip to wine country still produces that sense of wonder and excitement at learning from the people who live it every day.  Seeking to challenge himself, he attained the Wine & Spirit Trust “Advanced Certificate with Honors” and the Society of Wine Educators “Certified Wine Educator” and “Certified Spirit Specialist” degrees and the Guild of the Sommelier Level 1 accreditation.  Currently, Gerry is the Director of Education for Fedway Associates Inc., a wine and spirit wholesaler in New Jersey where he runs weekly wine courses for their 250+ sales people as well single session and multi-week courses for their retail and restaurant customers.