CANBERRA.- The National Gallery of Australia will kick off this Canberra Day long weekend with a Degas focus talk Green fairies and liquid stones. Renowned wine writer and raconteur Max Allen will discuss artists, poets and musicians, who have drawn inspiration through intoxication.

As part of the Degas focus talks, experienced wine writer Max Allen will explore why Australian winemakers, in particular, need to start thinking of themselves more as artists, poets and musicians. He will draw similarities between Degas and his “mates” who sought inspiration and beauty in their art induced by the highly intoxicating absinthe, and winemakers who, inspired by art have attempted to capture their vineyard’s elusive “spirit of place” with their wine.

“I’ll explore the deep connections between art and wine, and reveal how, for me, drinking in a great picture and looking at a great wine can be a remarkably similar experience”, said Mr Allen.

This focus talk is part of the Gallery’s Sunset Sessions on Saturday afternoons, which are associated with the exhibition Degas: master of French art. The exhibition is open until 7pm on Saturdays until 14 March. Following the talk, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy an evening of wine tasting in the Members Lounge.

Max Allen is a wine columnist for The Weekend Australian magazine, wine editor for Australia Gourmet Traveller and has won several prestigious awards for several books he has published on wine.