Masterclass — Champagne | Tasting Australia

Nothing says celebration like champagne. This weekend tasting will cover big-name bubbles from home and abroad, plus smaller houses flipping the script. Delve into standout South Australian sparkling from the likes of Deviation Road, then explore champagne brackets of different styles. We’ll cover blanc de blancs, rosé and richer pinot noir iterations aged in oak or given time to rest. Your guides will include Kaaren Palmer, an Adelaide-based champagne importer whose book Champagne – A Tasting Journey covers the art and science that shape all the best bottles. Palmer travels to Champagne each year and is a learned scholar of the region. Also chatting all things bubbles is Samuel Taylor – winemaker, and manager of the boutique Edinburgh Cellars in Mitcham. He keeps a close eye on news from Champagne and stocks the most compelling releases from this treasured part of France. Completing the lineup will be Curly Haslam-Coates, wine educator, self-described sparkling wine tragic and founder of Vintage Tasmania. A transcendent bottle of Tasmanian bubbles proved the impetus for her to visit the island as part of her Vintners Bursary Prize, ultimately making it her home. Champagne afficionados: your time is now. Treat yourself to a little luxury.