Melbourne’s wintry conditions failed to dampen the spirits of those sharing a well-earned drop at the Old Paradians’ Association’s ever-popular Class with Glass wine-tasting event last Friday night.

Armadale Cellars wine merchant Phil Hude (1982), who jetted in from Bali to host Friday evening’s annual gathering, held court at Kew’s salubrious V-Zug Kitchen Showroom in Melbourne’s leafy east. Guests sampled a complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival and (later) an array of delectable wines, on top of tasty nibblies fresh from the V-Zug ovens.

“The Hudester”, a better conversationalist there never was, once again demystified plonk with his no-nonsense approach and well-earned reputation as a wine evaluator sans peer.

Joining Phil Hude in the house for the third annual Class with Glass affair were Old Paradians’ Association President Lewis Derrico (1974) and his wife Ana; Association committeemen John Abrahams (1982), Paul Evans (1986) and Angelo Mazzone (1982); Angelo’s wife Nadia, daughters Louise (and her partner and Old Paradians footballer Danny Schneider), Nicole and son Michael Mazzone.

Also involved in the “quaff off” was Ivan Stocco (1982), his wife Christine, son Matthew, daughter Ashley Stocco and Ashley’s boyfriend Adam Medica; Richard Cimbaro (1982) and his wife Lidia; Mark Treppo (1982); Anton Koren (1982); Darren Wharton (1982); David Jones (1982) and his wife Vanessa; Stephen Brennan (1980); Peter Mount (1986); and Luke Fernandes (2004), Paul Watson (2004), Daniel Renehan (2004) and Brayden Geary (2004), all of whom are pictured here.

Brayden spoke for all when he said of Class with Glass: "The Saturday morning rise was a little rough, but what corker of an evening!".

"Phil was such an engaging, knowledgeable and entertaining host," Brayden said. "It was a brilliant excuse to get a few of the boys together and we rolled out agreeing that we are all in again next year.

"You might soon need to find a bigger space . . . "

To view all images of the OPA’s Class with Glass event, go to the Gallery section at the bottom of this homepage.

www.armadalecellars.com.au