Dessert, Wine and Art Inspired by the Bellarine | Sunday March 29th | With Darren Purchese, Circulus Wines and Ryan Brearley

Join celebrated pastry chef Darren Purchese, artist Ryan Brearley, and winemaker John White from Circulus Wines for an unforgettable afternoon celebrating seasonal produce, local craftsmanship and creativity at Jennie and John’s stunning Swan Bay property.

Guests will be welcomed with a glass of premium Circulus wine and seasonal canapés, before settling in to enjoy a unique live collaboration: Darren preparing signature dishes while Ryan creates an original artwork in real time.

A five-course, degustation-style afternoon tea follows, crafted by Darren and perfectly paired with cool-climate Bellarine wines. John will share insights into his artisan winemaking process and guide a tasting.

Enjoy time in the courtyard exploring Ryan’s work, browse local artisan products, and take-home recipes and a gift bag to recreate the experience.

Your experience includes:

• Glass of Circulus wine and seasonal canapés on arrival

• Meet and greet with artist Ryan Brearley

• Live cooking and painting demonstration

• Five-course afternoon tea by Darren Purchese

• Wine pairing and tasting with John White (Circulus Wines)

• Printed recipes to take home

• Tea, coffee, and non-alcoholic options

• Local pantry favourites and artisan goods for purchase

• Circulus wines and Ryan’s artworks available for purchase

• Signed copies of Darren Purchese cookbooks available on the day

1:00pm – 4:00pm

Please arrive between 12:45pm – 1:00pm so you don’t miss a thing.

No experience necessary.

For chef Darren Purchese, creativity is equal parts precision and play. Renowned for his innovative approach to flavour and texture, Darren has built a career turning classic techniques into modern expressions of joy. As a judge on The Great Australian Bake Off, he brings his signature mix of expertise, warmth, and wit to screens across the country, inspiring a new generation of bakers. From intricate desserts to refined savoury creations, his work celebrates balance, craft, and imagination — always guided by a deep respect for quality ingredients and the people who grow them. Now based on the Bellarine Peninsula Darren continues to create, teach, and connect through food — proof that cooking, at its best, is both artistry and generosity.‍ ‍

For winemaker John White, a lifelong passion for wine found its true expression in the creation of Circulus Wine. After years spent cultivating knowledge and appreciation for the craft, John and his wife Kim discovered Coatsworth Farm on Victoria’s windswept Pinot Coast — a vineyard rich with potential and a history of producing exceptional fruit. With a shared vision to restore and nurture the land, they set about reviving the vines and reimagining the property as a boutique, family-run winery dedicated to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Today, Circulus Wine stands as a testament to patience, renewal, and respect for the natural rhythm of the vineyard — a place where passion and purpose have come full circle.

For artist Ryan Brearley, creativity is a lifelong conversation between material, memory, and place. Working from his studio on Victoria’s coast, Ryan’s practice explores the quiet beauty found in nature’s imperfections — weathered textures, shifting light, and the passage of time. His work moves fluidly between painting and mixed media, blending intuition with technical precision to capture moments that feel both intimate and timeless. Each piece reflects his deep connection to the landscape and his belief that art, like nature, evolves in cycles — a continuous process of renewal and discovery

Ticket includes cooking and art demonstrations, a five-course degustation style afternoon tea with matched wine and a take-home gift. Non-alcoholic drinks available.

Please note due to the nature of this event we cannot cater to specific dietary requirements.

Nothing to bring but yourself, or gather a few friends and have yourselves a special little outing!