Handmade, the annual low-intervention wine-tasting extravaganza, returns to Fitzroy pub the Builders Arms this weekend for its fifth iteration, showcasing the wines of more than 40 of the country’s top producers including Little Reddie, Ephemera, Patrick Sullivan and Living Wines. But the fun doesn’t stop there. This year, an after party staged by two of Sydney’s favourite Italian restaurants, 10 William Street and Fratelli Paradiso, is also on the cards.
“When Handmade officially closes we’re opening the building and handing over the keys to the Fratelli boys,” Andrew McConnell, owner of The Builders Arms, says. “Dare I say, it’ll be loose.”
From the food to the booze, it’ll be an Italian takeover. Snacks include 10 William’s scallop ‘nduja toast, the lasagnetta from Fratelli Paradiso, fried quail and porchetta thrown in for good measure. As well as catering the after party, the Paradiso brothers will bring a playlist to power the dancefloor and a wine list to keep the good times flowing. Joining them will be DRNKS founder Joel Amos in his capacity as DJ Cleric Apton. Following an afternoon of wine-tasting, there’ll be no excuses for shying away from the dancefloor.
Did we mention the after party is open to all comers, even those who missed out on tickets to Handmade? Italians are known for their hospitality, after all.
Handmade 5, 3 June, wine tasting noon-4.30pm, after party 5pm-late, The Builders Arms Hotel, 211 Gertrude St, Fitzroy, Vic, (03) 9417 7700, buildersarmshotel.com.au. Wine tasting sold out; free entry to after party.
