There were a lot of corks popped, that’s for sure. The stunning, purpose-designed King’s Vault bar popped into action last night – with Australia’s (we reckon) first prosecco masterclass and first prosecco party. Talk about an easy way to get the fun rolling.

MC Nick Stock kicked things off by reminding the assembled throng that King Valley prosecco has been labelled the next big thing in Australian wine. It’s light and bubbly, crisp and fruity – purpose-built, itself, for the way Australians eat and drink today.

‘When I was young, living in Italy,’ Otto Dal Zotto, of Dal Zotto wines (the pioneer of Australian prosecco), said, ‘we would go to the café at 10am in the morning – not to drink coffee, but to open a bottle of prosecco. A bottle of prosecco was never too far away – it was part of our everyday life.’

A point his son, Michael Dal Zotto, picked up on. ‘The one thing about prosecco is that you can drink it almost any time. Before a meal, during a meal, after a meal – it always seems to fit.’

At this point Nick Stock mentioned that he was planning on waking up, the next day, at 9.55am ‘so that I can open a bottle of prosecco by 10, just to see how it goes’.

Rounds of laughter, eating and drinking. The rolling signature of the night. All this early-evening discussion took place around a beautiful, long, dressed-to-impress table – littered with the profound cheeses of the Milawa Cheese Factory, and other assorted antipasto. ‘I reckon,’ Sam Miranda said, ‘that prosecco is a great drink because it’s something you have without really thinking about it. It’s an easy, fresh wine and it’s only after you’ve had a few glasses that you ask, Hey, what’s this? It’s not a wine to be fussed over or picked apart – it’s a wine for enjoying yourself around the table.’

Of course when the ‘masterclass’ closed the bar fired up – as did the food of noted north-east Victorian chefs, Patrizia and Anthony Simone. By the end of the night a number of people had said to me – That’s the best food I’ve ever had at an event like that.

Slow roasted goat, home made salami, zucchini flowers stuffed with fetta before being lightly fried .. it was elite cooking with a homely, personal, touch. The perfect match to the wines of the King Valley … or the odd cheeky chestnut beer from Beechworth, or witbier from nearby Bright.

And so the King’s Vault “pop up bar” – in a beautiful old ex-art gallery in Darlinghurst – burst into the life. Tonight – dedicated to sangiovese, with Rocco Esposito of the famed Warden’s Wine and Food directing the food – should be just as exciting … as should the next week. If you’re able … you’d be mad not to arrange a visit.

View 'The King's Vault Experience' on You Tube

What makes a ‘Wine Business Magazine’ top 10 cellar door? Well, providing great customer service and an unforgettable experience!!

We are pleased to announce that the cellar door here in Oxley has been proud to receive position number two in the top ten as featured in the April 2008 edition of Australian Wine Business Magazine (AWB)

The cellar door, designed by renowned Sydney Architect Alex Popov, has set a new standard for the region in Wine and Food. Architecturally, the building lends itself to an underground wine cellar, with a forty foot high light tower standing sentinel above, streaming light in to the tasting area. An expansive terrace area provides the perfect place to sit and relax, flanked by the wonderful river red gums on the near by King River.

Situated in the King Valley in Victoria’s picturesque North East, we are one of very few wineries in Australia producing rare wine varietals such as Saperavi, Petit Manseng & Albarino, and offer a unique experience for the adventurous wine lover.

The Mediterranean inspired lunch menu is also wowing crowds with an innovative and diverse menu using the regions freshest seasonal and regional produce. The Autumn menu offers dishes such as; free range Milawa chicken, with  white bean puree and gremolata or pork, pistachio and chicken terrine, just to name a few.

Sam Miranda, third generation winemaker and principal of Sam Miranda King Valley said, “I am delighted to have our cellar door recognized as a standout in Australia, the architecture of the building along with the unforgettable experience created by our staff certainly makes it a wonderful place to visit, spend time and enjoy the region”.

We are situated on the Snow Road at Oxley, en route to Victoria ski fields and are open 7 days 10am - 5pm. 

Sam Miranda King Valley is the proud recipient of three gold medals, awarded at the 2007 National Cool Climate Wine Show (NCCWS) held in Bathurst in Mid October.  Established by local vignerons in 1999, the NCCWS defines the standards for cool climate wines in Australia with over 700 wines submitted for judging for this year’s show.

Sam Miranda received gold medals for the following wines:
2006 Sam Miranda Symphonia Saperavi
2006 Sam Miranda Symphonia Las Triadas Tempranillo (top in class)
2005 Sam Miranda High Plains Chardonnay

The 2004 Sam Miranda High Plains Durif was awarded a silver medal.

We are one of very few wineries in Australia producing Saperavi, a variety native to Russia.  Saperavi’s features include great colour, acidity and structure, and this win is a reward for innovation and experimentation. Sam Miranda’s Las Triadas Tempranillo came top in its class and is an approachable example of this classic Spanish varietal with excellent colour and tannin structure, making it a wine suitable to drink now or develop further with additional cellaring. 

Sam Miranda, third generation winemaker and principal of Sam Miranda King Valley said, “We are delighted to have been awarded three gold and a silver medal at this prestigious competition.  We have long been experimenting with alternative varieties in our Symphonia vineyard so the recognition by the judges, particularly for the relatively obscure Saperavi, is very exciting.”

To purchase these wines simply visit the wines section of our site

We are pleased to announce that we have gained a 4 1/2 star rating in Australia's best selling and definitive wine guide, ' James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2008'.  With wonderful reviews from James on our wines, we could not be more pleased. Fingers crossed for another 1/2 star raise in the next edition!

4.5 stars - 2005 Sam Miranda Sangiovese Barbera - SOLD OUT
'Smooth supple cherry fruits, with good length and intensity; far more authority than usual, and lives up to its stylish packaging' Rating 91/100

4.5 Stars - 2004 High Plains Cabernet Sauvignon - SOLD OUT
'A well balanced and composed medium-bodied wine, with firm blackcurrant varietal fruit the cornerstone;fine tannins back up the finish, as does the price'. Rating 90/100

4.5 Stars 2004 Sam Miranda Chardonnay Pinot Noir - SOLD OUT
'An attractive mix of strawberry and citrus fruits;just a touch of creamy lees from 18 months on lees;good balance and length' Rating 90/100

4 Stars - 2005 Sam Miranda Late Harvest Verdelho - SOLD OUT
'Lovely pale green colour; soft demonstrably sweet, tropical fruit salad balanced by acidity on the finish. Rating 88/100