Sydney’s VIP media personalities, including Alyssa Baramonde, Carolina Schmidt, and Jamie Azzopardi, gathered to celebrate a special evening with Altina Drinks an award-winning Australian zero-alcohol brand, and Australia’s No & sommelier; Louella Mathews.
Guests enjoyed an exquisite evening marked by a stunning sit-down share menu curated by culinary mastermind: Chef Luke Nguyen at the stunning Botanic House in the Botanic Gardens. Driven by the combined motivation for ‘more moderation,’ the vision for Altina Drinks was brought to life by its namesakes; husband-and-wife duo Christina and Alan.
The event provided an opportunity for guests to meet Christina, who is a ‘scientist-come zero alcohol wine maker’ who noticed a gap in the market for a zero alcohol wine, that packs a punch in the flavour department, while maintaining impressive health credentials such as no added sugar, gluten free, vegan-friendly and less than 20 calories per serve.
To celebrate Altina Drinks is offering 10% off storewide with code BOTANIC, those wishing to try all of the tipples for themselves can take the opportunity to grab a great deal on the: The Altina Taster Collection (RRP: normally$135, now $120).
Louella Mathews, Australia’s No. 7 Wine Influencer, and Dr. Christina DeLay captivated the audience with a fire-side Q&A, where Christina revealed the techniques she uses to create the amazing flavours in her wines – such as using Australian botanicals, such as Kakadu Plum to ensure that the wine measures up in the taste department.
The evening kicked off with guests being welcomed at the Henry Lawson Gate with a glass of Altina bubbles. They then enjoyed a scenic buggy ride through lantern-lit gardens to the stunning venue.
All guests were there to celebrate the official launch of Altina Drinks’ Celebrate Collection, which includes a Brut, a Sparkling Rose and a sparkling red Sansgria. Launching with a bang, the Celebrate Collection was recently awarded medals at the International Wine and Spirits competition – Sparkling Rose and Sansgria both got silver with 90 points and Brut scooped the bronze.
The alumni favourites were also included in the curated menu, which didn’t disappoint such as Altina Finger Lime Sauvignon Blanc, Altina Kakadu Plum Rosé and Altina Pepperberry Shiraz (all available for purchase 6 x 750ml bottles for $120, or a 3 bottle taster pack including one of each for $66).
The event featured a rice paper roll masterclass by Botanic Head Chef Em, paired with Altina Sparkling Brut.
Shared Entrées: Green tea smoked duck breast with pickled vegetables, crispy noodle, tamari & lime dressing, and grilled salmon salad with heart of palm, cabbage, tempura saltbush, and Asian herbs, paired with Altina Kakadu Plum Rosé.
Guests indulged in a sit-down share menu curated by culinary mastermind: Chef Luke Nguyen:
Amuse-Bouche: Crispy battered chilli squid with karkalla and tom yum aioli paired with Altina Finger Lime Sauvignon Blanc.
Shared Mains: Coral trout steamed in lotus leaf with salmon roe, ginger, spring onions, oyster & sesame sauce, and five spice beef short ribs with yellow curry and chimichurri, accompanied by Jasmine rice and paired with Altina Pepperberry Shiraz.
Dessert: Sticky date tamarind pudding with coconut pandan sticky rice, miso butterscotch, vanilla ice cream, and seasonal fruits, paired with Altina Sparkling Sangria.
The evening was a great success where guests got to experience the exceptional flavors of Altina Drinks and the culinary brilliance of Chef Luke Nguyens in an evening that celebrated innovation, health, and the vibrant spirit of Sydney’s media community.
The Altina Drinks Celebrate Collection is available online for $66 for 3 x 750ml bottles, and also at selected Dan Murphys, Harris Farm and QE Foods stores across the country. A full list of stockists is available online.
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