It’s wonderful to see some of the much-loved events and get-togethers of pre-COVID days returning to our lives once more. It’s heart-breaking to think of all that was missed last year, particularly in the realm of culture, creativity and entertainment – our food for the soul.

At Montalto Vineyard on the Mornington Peninsula, regular Friday night conversations with the Wheeler Centre were popular calendar events before the pandemic hit. The community, the enriching conversations, the opportunity to learn, discuss and absorb were dearly missed in 2020.

It’s thrilling to see Montalto’s partnership with the Wheeler Centre has been reignited, with inspiring in-depth conversations with acclaimed speakers to take place over lunch, combined with a delicious shared two-course meal enjoyed with uninterrupted views across the vines, over the Sculpture Trail and right through to Western Port. As the seasons' turn, the landscape showcases an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colours to admire - providing the most spectacular backdrop for both speakers and guests alike.
 
This year’s high quality Books and Ideas program starts with author Sarah Krasnostein on 16^th April 2021. With her award-winning debut The Trauma Cleaner, Sarah told the singular story of Sandra Pankhurst with deep empathy, clarity and curiosity. Now, in her second book, The Believer, Krasnostein takes a deep dive into the elusive, intangible act of believing. Both heartfelt and provocative, The Believer explores the many facets of faith with Krasnostein’s characteristic compassion and warmth.

Join Krasnostein over lunch at Montalto to explore how extraordinary beliefs and convictions can help or hinder us, as she delves into the beliefs that many have deemed impossible: aliens, ghosts, life after death, and more with host Sally Warhaft.

For more information and bookings, click here. 
  
Last year, Caro Llewellyn came on board as the Wheeler Centre’s new CEO and is excited to join us for the first of many Books and Ideas at Montalto. About the partnership that is now beginning its eighth year, Caro said, “This long-standing event series has brought some of Australia’s most beloved writers to Red Hill for inspirational conversations about their work. Books connect us to worlds, ideas and voices beyond our own and last year made it even clearer just how important they are to us. We are looking forward to reconnecting in the same exquisite room over the shared passions of literature and ideas accompanied by local food and extraordinary Montalto wine. I can’t think of a better way to enjoy intimate discussions with writers about their work, than over a leisurely and delicious lunch in such a stunning location.”