MWs to descend on Australia for fine wine tasting

Organised by Wine Australia and Tourism Australia, the event aims to present the “new” Australia and will be hosted by wine writers, Mike Bennie and Andrew Caillard MW.

Andrew Caillard MW will host the tasting after the breakfast event

For the first time in 30 years, a 45-strong MW group will attend a breakfast and Australian fine wine tasting at Bennelong Restaurant in the Sydney Opera House, before visiting 10 Australian wine regions.

Guests will sample canapés such as shaved culatello with barley toast and truffle butter and mud crab congee, paired with some of Australia’s premium sparkling wines including the 2012 Luke Lambert Sparkling Chardonnay from Yarra Valley and House of Arras ‘EJ Carr Late Disgorged’ 2002 from Tasmania.

Following breakfast, a formal tasting will be presented by wine writer and judge Mike Bennie and Andrew Caillard MW, with a focus on wines that are “expressions of their unique terroir” – the Australian wine ”pioneers” and Australia’s fine wine examples.

Wine Australia Chair Brian Walsh spoke of his excitement of showing the group how Australian wine has “evolved.”

“For many in this group of highly influential and knowledgeable wine professionals, it’s been a long time since they’ve visited Australia and I know they’re going to be surprised and delighted with the evolution of Australian wine over the last three decades,” he said.

“This is also an opportunity for them to see first-hand how our collegiate Australian wine community inspires excellence and the innovation to craft distinctive fine wines.”