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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, ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide alumnus and Master of Wine Michael Brajkovich for a closer look.

Brajkovich has maintained close ties with ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥â€™s leading chardonnay producers, and his influence continues to shape and inspire great chardonnay producers of today and tomorrow across New Zealand, ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ 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 ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥, and the future of great chardonnay wines the world over.

Also joining the panel are two esteemed ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n chardonnay winemakers, both graduates of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ 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 , is a highly regarded and awarded chardonnay winemaker whose wines have consistently set the standard for style and quality in the highest ranks of ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n 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.Ìý

Nick Stock is one of ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥â€™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 ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥, New Zealand, North and South America, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria and more. He is one of ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'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 ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ 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 ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥, 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

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Food

• Individually plated cheese tasting board