A Gondola on the Murray

Spring in Mildura is the season when the gardens are at their colourful best. It's also the time when the grapes are budding on the vines. This causes Stefano to wonder about new varieties of wines which might replace the chardonnay and shiraz we love so much. He visits his friend Yolander who cooks him ravioli filled with cheese and enjoys a drink and a singalong with Frank, her husband. At a vine grafting vineyard two gorgeous Cambodian sisters prepare him a traditional chicken dish. He prepares an Italian long lunch where new varieties of Italian wines are tasted by local wine makers and grape growers. With the wines he serves a sumptuous banquet of several dishes including braised duck with pappardelli and s’formato of mushrooms.