Yarra Valley winery Innocent Bystander is known for its unconventional and playful approach to wine, having established its Healesville cellar door as a top destination for visitors to Melbourne’s most conveniently-located vineyards.
So it was with some excitement I learned that the award-winning label is bringing its unique experiential approach to wine tasting to Sydney CBD institution Babylon, perched on the rooftop of Westfield Mall.
Throughout October, Innocent Bystander is operating a pop-up cellar door – which will pair immersive experiences (think a temporary tattoo studio, vinyl-spinning Djs and bottomless brunches) with wine tasting. This urban cellar door experience runs Thursdays to Sundays and features the full range of Innocent Bystander wines – including the first release of the newly released Watermelon Spritz.
For the particularly adventurous, on 19-20 October artists from The Darling Parlour Tattoo Studio are offering a range of Innocent Bystander-inspired designs on a first come first served basis.
Adding to the excitement, the Innocent Bystander long lunch on Saturdays and Sundays throughout October matches favourite dishes from the Babylon kitchen with specially selected wines.
A free-flowing feast for the senses, there are five Innocent Bystander wines to choose from, as well as Balter IPA and Stone & Wood Pacific Ale. Pair Innocent Bystander’s light bodied and fresh Pinot Gris with delectable dishes such as the hummus with macadamia, olive oil, and leblebi or the pan-fried haloumi with local honey and fig jam. Wash down Babylon’s famous spiced cauliflower or the wood-fired chicken skewers with the Pinot Noir Gamay, offering tasting notes of juicy fruit and savoury Chinese five-spice.
Babylon, Level 7 Rooftop, Westfield Pitt St Mall, 188 Pitt St, Sydney
Innocent Bystander Tasting Bar at Babylon Gardens
10-27 October, Thursdays-Saturdays noon-8pm; Sundays noon-7pm
Innocent Bystander Long Lunch12-13, 19-20, 26-27 October, Seating times: noon, 1pm or 2pmTwo-hours of food and wine, $79 per person (additional hour for $20 per person)
Guest Author – Ash Pritchard
A communications agency owner, former magazine editor and current Sydney-resident, Ash has eaten his way across Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region. From street food to three-hatted restaurants, he believes in the magic of authentic culinary journeys, and the power of storytelling in elevating dining experiences.
