In case you haven't noticed, it has become increasingly popular to shine a light on individual wine varieties on certain days of the year.  These can sneak up so it pays to plan in advance... Here is a selection of 2018s 'Wine Days' and some suggestions as to how you should be spending them.

17 April 2018 – Malbec World Day
We're going to celebrate this one a couple of days early in Sydney.  The first annual Gauchito Gil’s Malbec Day on 15th April (or 22nd April in Melbourne) is Australia’s biggest celebration of Argentina’s most famous grape.  With over 90 examples of Malbec from Argentina, Australia and France on tasting, along with empanadas, tango dancing and ales. This promises to be the ultimate way to celebrate Malbec outside of Argentina. Olé!

Can't get there? Celebrate from home with a bottle of Brown Brothers Vintage Release Malbec.

4 May 2018 – International Sauvignon Blanc Day (always the first Friday in May)
Although Sauvignon Blanc does not have as long a history in Australia as varieties like Shiraz or Riesling, it has found a very comfortable home in certain regions producing a range of styles.  One such region is the Adelaide Hills, a region known for its elegant cool climate wines. Located in the Mount Lofty Ranges 20 minutes east of Adelaide, the region is Australia’s largest geographical wine region, and one of the most diverse in terms of climate, soil and topography.  Sauvignon Blanc thrives in the warmer areas and The Lane Vineyard produces one of the region's best.  Spoil yourself on Sauv Blanc Day with The Lane's 360° Panorama Experience - enjoy a Gathering Indulgence flight where it truly belongs - immersed in the heart of the vineyard.

9 May 2018 – World Moscato Day
In most cases Moscato wine is a sweet, slightly bubbly white wine made from Muscat Blanc grapes often referred to more specifically as Moscato d’Asti. Though Moscato is often sweet, its low alcohol (5-7% ABV) and refreshing flavour profile makes Moscato more than just a dessert wine and what better day than World Moscato Day to discover this delightful tipple.

Renowned for the variety of delicious Moscato variaties on offer, Brown Brothers offers the ultimate opportunity to get up close and personal with your new favourite drink.  Go in-depth with the Brown Brothers Gourmet Discovery Day - a full day of discovery at the Milawa Winery, Cellar Door and Epicurean Centre in Victoria.  Explore the vast winery and enjoy a guided tasting before a 3-course food and wine matched lunch.

24 May 2018 – International Chardonnay Day
Leeuwin Estate's Art Series Chardonnay is consistently ranked among the best in the world.  Discover more about Leeuwin's multi-award winning range at the beautiful Estate in Margaret River.  On the Leeuwin Immersion Experience, celebrate International Chardonnay Day with a relaxing morning tea and estate tour followed by a food and wine flight.

9 June 2018 – National Rosé Day (second Saturday in June every year, although some claim it occurs on 14th August - we recommend celebrating both to be safe)
Where better than Victoria's beautiful Yarra Valley to celebrate National Rosé Day(s).  De Bortoli's Yarra Valley Estate is the ideal place to sample from their range of rosé wines and, while you're there, it would be rude not to spend some time in the cheese shop or settle in for lunch on the "Locale" Restaurant Premium Experience.

13 August 2018 - International Prosecco Day
Prosecco is a white sparkling wine, originating from Italy.  Victoria's King Valley has become known as Australia's home of Italian varietals, and what King Valley locals, the Pizzini family, don't know about Prosecco, frankly ain't worth knowing.  Mark this important day with a visit to the Pizzini Wines Cellar Door where you will arrive to the warmest of welcomes and leave with an encyclopaedic knowledge of all things Prosecco. 

30 August 2018 – International Cabernet Day
Margaret River is producing some of the world's best Cabernet Sauvignon.  At Voyager Estate, this marvellous wine is celebrated alongside another Margaret River classic, Chardonnay, on the Heroes of Margaret River experience.  Indulge in a Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay guided tasting followed by the 4-course, wine paired Discovery Menu.  Celebrating an important day in style.

21 September 2018 – International Grenache Day (3rd Friday in September every year)
Long overlooked and underestimated, Australian grenache is finally getting its moment to shine.  In fact, the Australian Financial Review went as far as to suggest that Grenache may even rival Shiraz as an Australian classic.  McLaren Vale in South Australia is rapidly developing a reputation as Australia's home of Grenache and, therefore, is by far the best place to spend International Grenache Day.  Annual celebrations are held throughout the region with d'Arenberg and Wirra Wirra Wines getting in on the action with special offers and tastings at the cellar doors.  Spend the day doing the rounds and select your favourite of this new Australian classic.