The 2010 Vin de Champagne Awards

Ten of the sharpest Champagne palates in Australia have been announced as finalists in the 2010 Vin de Champagne Awards.

Finalists were selected in the following categories:-

Professional (for people who gain income from the food & wine industry)

Ben Portet, Winemaker, Dominque Portet Winery, VIC
Peta Baverstock, Winemaker, SA
Greg Plowes, Sommelier, Tetsuyas, NSW
Sharon Wild, Wine Educator and Brand Ambassador Voyager Estate Winery, NSW


Amateur (for those who have a passion about Champagne)

Dr Sean Stevens, Mead Medical Group, WA
Matthew Stutsel, Partner, Freehills, NSW
Kaaren Palmer, Investor, SA
Professor Tim Sullivan, Royal Brisbane and Women’s hospital, QLD

Student  (for 18-27 year olds who are enrolled in or have recently completed a wine, hospitality or catering course)

Cameron O’Keefe, WSET, VIC
Yuri Berns, Curtin University, WA

Organised every year second on behalf of the Comite Champagne, the Award not only aims to celebrate and encourage the enjoyment of Champagne in Australia but seeks to find Champagne Ambassadors who will share their knowledge and appreciation of Champagne.
 
Finalists will be flown to Sydney for the final judging on September 27th where they are required to show their skills in tasting a range of Champagne styles.  Judging of the finalists will be conducted by Huon Hooke; author, wine-writer and former Professional Winner, Peter Bourne, wine-writer and ‘wine-man’ former Professional winner and Bernadette O’Shea  former amateur winner and Champagne educator.

Following the judging, the winners will be announced in the evening at a gala black tie dinner at Becasse Restaurant, where renowned chef Justin North will create a menu to match fifteen Champagne Wines. Approximately 100 guests are invited, including high profile members of the community and Australia’s most respected wine and food industry leaders and media.

Winners receive a two-week educational tour to the Champagne district where they receive their medal from Comite Champagne and enjoy the legendary Champenois hospitality. In the past, winners have been overwhelmed by their visit and for many; it’s the start of an exciting and passionate relationship with Champagne.

Some of Australia’s most knowledgeable wine industry personnel, winemakers, journalists, restaurateurs, commentators and educators can be listed as past winners of this prestigious award.

“No other wine award like this exists in Australia or in any other major market for Champagne in the world. The award has run for over thirty years and has produced some of the finest Champagne palates in the world. Past winners actively promote Champagne across all aspects of life ensuring that Australia remains in the top ten markets for importing Champagne,” says Elisabeth Drysdale, Director of the Champagne Bureau.

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