A colourful host, delightful venue and the sheer power of the grape – three irresistible elements which conspired to ensure a healthy turnout of Paradians young and old, and their partners and families, at the Association’s recently-convened Class with Glass wine-tasting event.

Armadale Cellars wine merchant Phil Hude (1982) was in rare form at Kew’s salubrious V-Zug Kitchen Showroom in Melbourne’s leafy east, as guests sampled a complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival and an array of delectable wines, on top of tasty nibblies fresh from the V-Zug ovens.

“The Hudester”, a more engaging front man you’ll never find, demystified the plonk with his no-nonsense approach and well-earned reputation as an evaluator sans peer.

Amongst those partaking in the “quaff off” with the President and esteemed Members of the OPA committee were Danny Schneider and his partner Louise Mazzone, and her brother Michael Mazzone (the Taylor (‘Tex’) Walker look-alike). To quote Michael: “The wine-tasting was terrific. I was able to sample a great range I’d rarely be able to try and having someone who knew what he was talking about up-front made the experience even greater.

“It was also terrific to see the camaraderie in the room, to see how everyone still interacts after all these years since school ended. Above all, it was fun.”

To view all images of the OPA’s Class with Glass event, go to the Gallery section at the bottom of this homepage.

www.armadalecellars.com.au