Arguably Australia's foremost authority on Prosecco, Melissa Brauer has been extolling the virtues of the world's favourite sparkling wine for over 15 years. 

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For a number of years she imported a comprehensive range of award-winning Italian DOCG Prosecco and other wines, travelling regularly to the Prosecco Hills, (now a UNESCO world heritage site) and other wine regions, as well as to Vinitaly, the world's largest exhibition dedicated to Italian and international wine, held annually in Verona.

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She is the creator and director of Melbourne’s annual Prosecco Festival, celebrating its 10th year in 2027, as a way to showcase the depth and breadth of Prosecco styles.

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Here she shines the spotlight on some of her favourite winemakers and importers, with wines made from the grapes hand-picked from the steep slopes of the Veneto hills in North East Italy, to Australia’s first Prosecco from Dal Zotto in the King Valley in North East Victoria, and all the delicious drops in between. 

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Through her sold-out masterclasses she educates Prosecco enthusiasts, taking them through the different styles, from bottle-fermented Col Fondo, to Brut, Extra Dry and Cartizze wines.

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She marks World Prosecco Day each year with a wine dinner, pairing Prosecco with a range of courses,  exploring the versatility of this wine with various cuisines.

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In 2017 she and her husband bought and renovated ‘Whitty Cottage’ a 1900's weatherboard holiday rental property in Whitfield in the heart of the King Valley. It's walking distance from some  favourite local wineries along the Prosecco Road, including Dal Zotto and Pizzini, and not far from Politini, Sam Miranda and Brown Brothers.  ​

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She loves welcoming guests to this beautiful part of North East Victoria, and also hosts tours to the region which also includes historic Beechworth.

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In 2025 she created the inaugural North x North East Victorian Festival to highlight the wines of the region. This is now an annual event, returning to the City Watch House at the Old Melbourne Gaol each year.

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She also hosts and MCs corporate wine events and has developed a hugely popular wine tasting quiz which can be done in person as well as online.

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Her next guided tour to Italy's Prosecco region kicks off in May 2027.

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She loves teaching people about this widely-consumed but often misunderstood wine, and her greatest delight comes when people try a new Prosecco for the first time and say “Wow, I had no idea Prosecco could taste like that!” 

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She also has an Instagram & Facebook page dedicated to Prosecco, as well as owning and operating Van Di Vino, Australia’s original Prosecco van and Spritz bar.

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Melissa’s hope from all her events is that you will come away with a new-found understanding of the different styles, as well as an appreciation for these winemakers and importers who work so hard to provide us with these wonderful wines!