Stunning Event and "Made By" Film with Novak Djokovic and Jacob's Creek
The Australian Open is upon us again; with many top tennis players saying it's the best stop on the tour. Melbourne shines for The Australian Open. The World Loves Melbourne was invited to attend a stunning event of "Our Table" with world number one Novak Djokovic and The Australian Open tournament sponsor Jacob's Creek.
Located in 45 Downstairs, a stylish space in Flinders Lane, a "who's who" of celebrities, Melbourne media and social identities imbibed a first class evening with Jacob's Creek hospitality and unveiling of "Made By" film .
After arriving and greeted with sparkling wine and canapes, guests were taken through a fun wine tasting by a Jacob's Creek sommelier. This was not a token tasting but thorough in every way. We were supplied with apple, berries, chocolate and lemon for our pairing with noted Jacobs Creek Wines. The World Loves Melbourne has been indulging in the Jacob's Creek Double Barrel range, which includes fermentation in whisky barrels for even added nuance.
Andy Allen the winner of Masterchef was an energetic and consummate host for the evening.
Food at the event was compelling, devised by the Jacob's Creek Head Chef and based on the story of Jacob's Creek. An Australiana theme was tangible and included floral arrangements. The table setting was first class.
Grilled Prawns with Peperonata, Green Tomato & Chive Salsa with Aromatic Oil. Served with Jacob's Creek Reserve Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2015.
Main course of Kangaroo with Black Cracked Pepper, Cabbage, Pancetta & Roasted Carrot with Shiraz Sauce was a highlight and superbly presented. Precision cut fillet of Kangaroo was graced by impressive flavours and textures of pancetta, carrot and perfect shiraz sauce reduction. A fitting tribute to the story of Jacob's Creek. Sides of Roasted Baby Potatoes, Black Olive Salt, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Green Bean & Broccolini Salad, with Feta, Mint & Lemon Dressing were highly satisfying.
Dessert of Hazelnut Dacquoise, Minted Dark Chocolate Mousse & Eucalyptus Praline was another taste and texture triumph, and in keeping with the Australiana theme and story of Jacob's Creek.
Prizes of tickets to tennis finals in the Jacob's Creek corporate suite were won by Melbourne top bloggers Thanh Do and The City Lane. Congrats! The fact that The Bachelor Sam Wood won the door prize was a classic.
The World Loves Melbourne enjoyed connecting with media and bloggers including Lorraine from Not Quite Nigella in Sydney, Ewen Bell (one of Australia's best photographers), and Sarah Cooks (all pictured above).
A highlight was the unveiling of the ‘Made By’ film series with Novak Djokovic, world number one tennis player and three-time consecutive Australian Open winner. The films show a side of Novak the world has perhaps not seen before.
We see the real Novak, recounting the never before told life stories from Belgrade, Serbia, celebrating the people, places and passions that have made him the tennis champion he is today.
Titled ‘Made By Determination’, the documentary style film series takes viewers back to the beginning of Novak’s journey, from growing up in war-torn Serbia, to the dedication and commitment of his first coach Jelena Gencic, to his pivotal Grand Slam wins in the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
Commenting on the films at the Global Premiere, Djokovic said: “Everything I experienced growing up has led me to become the person I am today. Creating the Jacob’s Creek ‘Made By’ film series has allowed me to tell my story, in my own words and share it with the world.
“My path to success has by no means been easy, but the people, places and passions that have shaped me are integral to my success. These films have given me the chance to acknowledge what I am made by.”
NOVAK DJOKOVIC
METHOD
The ‘Made By’ film series has three chapters, Birthed by Serbia, Shaped by Jelena and Inspired by Dreams.
Birthed by Serbia
Being raised in war-torn Belgrade, Serbia, it was Novak’s family that kept him strong. All of the hardships he faced during these times taught him about strength, resilience and the importance of having a strong support network.
Shaped by Jelena
It was on tennis courts near his parents’ restaurant that Novak first met legendary tennis coach, Jelena Gencic. She saw a 5 year old Novak hanging on the court fence, watching as she trained kids from the Belgrade tennis camp and invited him in to have a hit. From that invitation to come and play, a tennis legend was born, and Jelena’s generosity, dedication and commitment still shapes the way Novak plays tennis.
Inspired by Dreams
In the final ‘Made By’ film, we see Novak passionately discuss his pivotal Grand Slam win in Wimbledon, the goal he is been aiming for since he first watched Pete Sampras win the tournament in 1993. It was this challenge that inspired Novak, as an aspiring tennis player, to make a replica Wimbledon trophy which still sits in a prime position alongside his other awards.
You can watch the films, plus behind the scenes and outtakes at www.madebyjacobscreek.com