Masterclass – Tasting the Stars: Champagne

The best bubbles transcend it all: time, place, everyday cares. What is this magic? Winemaker Kate Laurie, importer-distributor and master sommelier Sebastian Crowther, wine buyer Sophie Carbonneau and The Point Group food and beverage director Alex Kirkwood will explain. Sip premium champagnes, discover their nuances and treat yourself to a little luxury.

Adelaide Hills vineyards supply fruit for the cool-climate wines Laurie makes under her Deviation Road label. Creating bottle-fermented, aged Australian sparkling is a passion, one that emerged from oenology training in France.

Crowther launched Real Wines, whose portfolio includes the kind of vibrant, expressive champagne sought by leading international restaurants. He has deep experience on that front too, having become just the third Australian to achieve master sommelier status and later serving as beverage director for Sydney’s Rockpool Group.

Carbonneau, meanwhile, is head buyer at wine importer and distributor Bibendum. Brilliant champagnes – often from family-run producers – are constantly on her radar. Kirkwood oversees drinks for restaurants including Sydney’s two-hatted Shell House, wine list of the year winner at the 2023 Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Awards.

Expect remarkable wine and lively conversation as our panellists share their knowledge.