Join us for a very different and very convivial history event.

Evidence of wine drinking can be dated back 9,000 years. We certainly like our altered states of consciousness! We won’t be delving back 9,000 years but both our hosts, David Dunstan and Ron Leslie, know their wine and their history and will be guiding us through both.

There will be a talk by David and a tasting of six wines organised by Ron, book-ended with some mood-lightening Prosecco.

There will be raffles of quality wines on the night. A Barossa Langmeil The Freedom 1843 (old vine) 2010 Shiraz and a Campbell’s Liqueur Tokay  – the latter is being offered for a free tasting at the conclusion as well.

David Dunstan. David, an RHSV member, is a Senior Research Fellow with the School of Philosophical, Historical and International Studies at Monash University.  He has written on Melbourne, cricket and wine.

David’s wine articles have appeared in journals, newspapers and magazines for decades. His books include: Better than Pommard! A History of Wine in Victoria (1994); and A Vision for Wine. A History of the Viticultural Society of Victoria (2013).

Ron Leslie. Ron is a former English and History School teacher (1966-99) and RHSV member. In 1968 he entered the wine industry and became a part-time wine wholesaler and retailer (1973-1992). He worked for Oddbins in London in 1978.

Ron was a judge for thirteen years at the Federation Square Regional Victorian Wine Competition and chief judge for seven years