PINOT PACKAGE TO BENEFIT VICTIMS

THE COUNTRY Fire Authority will benefit from an exclusive en primeur wine package being offered through the Langton's auction house. More than $130,000 is expected to be raised through the sale of 2009 Region 13 pinot noir. The wine was originally part of a five-tonne donation of 2009 fruit from Gippsland winemaker John Ellis, of Bellvale Vineyard, to Yarra Valley wine producer Tom Carson, whose vineyard was partially destroyed in the February 7 fires.

Tom accepted two tonnes but decided, along with colleague and fellow fire victim David Bicknell at Oakridge Estate, that the rest of the wine should be donated to benefit the CFA. The term Region 13 designates the Yarra Valley. The wine was made with donations from barrel makers and packagers as well as label makers and designers. A six-pack costs $300 and can be ordered through the Langton's website - www.langtons.com.au/promo - or telephone 03 9428 4499. Langton's non-members can use the promotional code ‘Langton' to enter the website.