The plans for Chardonnay Day plans on 26 May, 2011 are coming together and lots of great meet ups are being planned on a global scale.  If you have not already registered, it’s not too late to do so on the Eventbrite site.

In Australia, there’s lots of opportunities to go along to tastings in Capital cities to discover an range of different styles from Wine Producers across Australia and all around the world. Gone are the days of it being “Anything But Chardonnay.” There really has been an evolution in the style of Australian chardonnay over the past few years and this is an opportunity to re-explore and see why the world’s leading commentators are saying “Chardonnay is Australia’s finest varietal.”

•  Decanter Magazine
• Tim Atkin – Reflections of Australian Chardonnay from Melbourne Wine Show
• Enobytes
• Steve Webber from De Bortoli Wines talks to Paul Henry about Chardonnay stylistic changes at 2010 Landmark Tutorial

Global tweet ups like #Chardonnay Day are like sitting down and having conversation at a table of like-minded wine lovers who happen to connect via social media channels. If you can’t make it to one of the venues below, why not participate virtually – all you need is a few friends, your favourite chardonnay, internet access and you’re set.

Around Australia, there’s no prescribed timing to get involved – it’s an all day event. However, we’re encouraging producers, wine media, retailers and wine lovers involved in the Australian #chardonnay tweet up from 7.30-9pm AEST. There will also be a live Qwoff TV Episode with the Qwoff Boys, Nick Stock and Michael Hill-Smith MW streamed live from Adelaide and we’re hoping to cross over to some of the venues around Australia to see what’s happening.

The details of the big tastings and dinners in each of the capital cities are as follows:


Where: Coast Roof Top Bar and Restaurant
The Roof Terrace, Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour, Sydney, NSW 2000
Time: 4- 6.30pm – Free Chardonnay Tasting
7.30pm tutored master class dinner with Peter Bourne, Andrew Spinaze, Chief Winemaker at Tyrrell’s Wines and David Bicknell, Chief Winemaker and CEO of Oakridge Winery

Cost: Free for Tasting – all are welcome. Hoping to set up a Four Square Swarm!

Dinner: $60 per head including 5 course tasting matched with 10 of Australia’s finest Chardonnay led by renowned Australian Wine Commentator Peter Bourne, Chief Winemaker at Tyrrells Wines Andrew Spinaze and David Bicknell, Chief Winemaker and CEO at Oakridge Winery. Coast’s Head Chef, Adam Lord, continues the tradition of food prepared simply using classic philosophies and preparations.  The menu is designed with Mediterranean influences in a modern contemporary Australian setting.  All produce is carefully selected with quality primary ingredients chosen to showcase the talents of the kitchen. Incredible value and sure to be a fabulous night!

Bookings essential:  NOTE: DINNER IS NOW SOLD OUT

 

  • MELBOURNE: Free Tasting then Masterclass Dinner Hosted by Dan Sims from The Wine Guide

Where: ‘Pink Alley’ @ Collins Quarter,
86a Collins Street, Melbourne
Time: 4pm till 6.30pm for the open tasting, 7.30pm till 9.30pm for the Dinner with Dan Sims
Cost: Free for the open tasting!
$35 per person for Dinner from 7.30pm
http://www.thewineguide.com.au/article.asp?blogID=1614
or http://www.meetup.com/Chardonnay/Melbourne-AU/

Bookings are essential for the evening session so please call Collins Quarter on 03 9650 8500

 

  • ADELAIDE

Where: The Qwoff Boys Headquarters
15b Richard Street, Hindmarsh SA 5007
From 6pm

 

  • BRISBANE: Hosted by Michael Ellis @thewinepunter

Wine Experience

150 Baroona Rd, Rosalie
Brisbane Q 4064
When: 5pm kick off

Details at – http://www.meetup.com/Chardonnay/Brisbane-AU/

 

  • BAROSSA VALLEY

Wolf Blass Visitors Centre
97 Sturt Hwy Nurioopta, SA 5355.
Time: 4.30pm
http://www.meetup.com/Chardonnay/Barossa-Valley/

 

  • PERTH

The Wine Store
48 George Street
East Fremantle WA
Time: 5.30pm
http://www.meetup.com/Chardonnay/Perth-AU/ or http://www.thewinestore.com.au/about-us.html

  • HUNTER VALLEY

Tempus Two Winery
Broke Road, Pokolbin
Time: 1-5pm
BYO bottle of chardonnay and get involved.
Rsvp to: info@tempustwo.com.au
http://www.meetup.com/Chardonnay/Hunter-Valley-Tempus-Two-Cellar-Door/

If I’ve missed any big Australian venues, email me (trish@mastermindconsulting.com.au)or post up on Meet Up site so we’re aware of what going on.

 

ARE YOU A CHARDONNAY PRODUCER?
These venues above are accepting samples for the tastings on the day so that consumers can try a diverse range of different products and everyone can get involved. Chardonnay-Day-Address-Labels and send your samples along by Wednesday 25th May. We’d love to see lots of different regional examples and if you’re an importer, send your wines along too so we can see how they stack up against the best in Australia.

PLEASE include a sticker on the wine before you send it with the RRP and your twitter handle (eg @mastermindtb or @bestwines) if you have one to make it easy to let the world know what people are drinking on the day. Tasting notes with information on the wines would also be very useful.

TIPS TO GET INVOLVED
If you need more information – don’t forget about these helpful hints to help you make the most of the opportunity.

• Post on Mastermind Musings – How to get involved in #chardonnay Day on 26 May
• Post on Bakas Media by Rick Bakas – Why Wineries, Sommeliers and Wine Shops should get involved in #Chardonnay Day