Tasting Australia Masterclass: Chardonnay Academy (sold out)

Chardonnay is perhaps the ultimate confluence of terroir and winemaker. It’s the hottest top-end white wine in the world right now – and the sought-after wines of pioneering New Zealand label Kumeu River have played a significant role in shaping its global rise over the past four decades. Join winemaker, University of Adelaide alumnus and Master of Wine Michael Brajkovich for a closer look.

Brajkovich has maintained close ties with Australia’s leading chardonnay producers, and his influence continues to shape and inspire great chardonnay producers of today and tomorrow across New Zealand, Australia and beyond.

Brajkovich’s work with the university and close ties with accomplished and emerging chardonnay winemakers will be celebrated first-hand in this deep dive into the world of great chardonnay. Local wine expert Nick Stock is set to host this exclusive, one-off tasting that showcases the leading edge of Kumeu River wines, the best of New Zealand and Australia, and the future of great chardonnay wines the world over.

Also joining the panel are two esteemed Australian chardonnay winemakers, both graduates of the University of Adelaide. Michael Downer has claimed significant ground for the reputation of both his family’s Murdoch Hill winery and the Adelaide Hills region as purveyors of world-class chardonnay and continues to lead in this highly competitive category. Virginia Willcock, chief winemaker at pioneering Margaret River winery Vasse Felix, is a highly regarded and awarded chardonnay winemaker whose wines have consistently set the standard for style and quality in the highest ranks of Australian chardonnay.

You’ll enjoy a guided tasting through a carefully curated lineup of the very best chardonnays and a refreshingly candid approach to decoding the greatest white wine of all. Hosted by Nick Stock. 

Nick Stock is one of Australia’s best-loved wine commentators and most widely experienced palates. His globe-trotting tasting schedule has taken him to the world’s greatest wine regions and most famous cellars, covering wines from Australia, New Zealand, North and South America, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria and more. He is one of Australia's most experienced festival directors and curators and has long promoted great drinks alongside the best food, locations and entertainment. Nick has once again made Australia his home base and established award-winning beachfront bar and dining venue Silver Sands Beach Club in McLaren Vale. He started his career in wine as a young sommelier, was twice awarded Best Sommelier in Australia, has written five best-selling books, is a long serving columnist for a range of print media and worked for a decade alongside US wine critic James Suckling where he rose to the role of Global Executive Editor.

Wines

Food

• Individually plated cheese tasting board