EVENT // Vin de Champagne Awards 40th Anniversary
Photos by Rachel Kara
Did you know that Australians are enjoying Champagne more than ever. In fact, in 2013 Australia imported over 6 million bottles placing it in number sixth position for Champagne importing. As this recent Sydney soiree confirmed - we love our Champagne!
It was an honour to attend the recent Vin de Champagne 40th Anniversary Awards black tie dinner at Hotel Centennial last week. Over 1,500 glasses of Champagne were served to guests including high profile members of the food and wine industries, Champagne aficionados and VIP’s. The special awards event is presented every two years by the Champagne Bureau Australia with past winners of this prestigious award some of the country’s most knowledgeable wine industry personnel, winemakers, journalists, restaurateurs, commentators and educators.
The winners, Tom Warrell and Annette Lacey both from NSW, won a two-week educational tour to the Champagne district in France, where they are awarded their medal from Le Comité 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.
So very happy to be back at the gorgeous Hotel Centennial (where I hosted a recent pop up dinner). What's not to love about sharing a table full of Champagne with fellow food loving friends Kate Gibbs, Sophie Baker and Jaclyn Carlson planning new foodie adventures (did I say Paris….?!?!). The incredible Chef Justin North prepared a sumptuous six course dinner including lightly cured & smoked alpine saikou salmon, Fraser Island crab and glazier 51 tooth fish, miso, cauliflower & buckwheat matched to an incredible selection of Champagnes!! Seriously does it get any better than this - Bruno Paillard Brut Premiere, Gosset Grand Millesime 2004, Nicolas Feuillatte Grand Cru Pinot Noir 2002, Bollinger Rose, Billecart Salmon Rose, Moet et Chandon Rose 2004, Mumm de Cramant Blanc de Blancs, Ayala Blanc de Blancs 2007, Jacquart Blanc de Blanc 2006, Louis Roederer Cristal 2006, Charles Heidsieck Brut 2000, Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill Cuvee 2000 en magnum, Lanson Gold Label 2004 and Veuve Clicquot 2004.
So very happy to be back at the gorgeous Hotel Centennial (where I hosted a recent pop up dinner). What's not to love about sharing a table full of Champagne with fellow food loving friends Kate Gibbs, Sophie Baker and Jaclyn Carlson planning new foodie adventures (did I say Paris….?!?!). The incredible Chef Justin North prepared a sumptuous six course dinner including lightly cured & smoked alpine saikou salmon, Fraser Island crab and glazier 51 tooth fish, miso, cauliflower & buckwheat matched to an incredible selection of Champagnes!! Seriously does it get any better than this - Bruno Paillard Brut Premiere, Gosset Grand Millesime 2004, Nicolas Feuillatte Grand Cru Pinot Noir 2002, Bollinger Rose, Billecart Salmon Rose, Moet et Chandon Rose 2004, Mumm de Cramant Blanc de Blancs, Ayala Blanc de Blancs 2007, Jacquart Blanc de Blanc 2006, Louis Roederer Cristal 2006, Charles Heidsieck Brut 2000, Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill Cuvee 2000 en magnum, Lanson Gold Label 2004 and Veuve Clicquot 2004.
“The award celebrates its 40th anniversary this year 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 an important market for Champagne,” says Elisabeth Drysdale, Director of the Champagne Bureau.
For more information on all things Champagne visit Champagne Bureau Australia