France vs Australia: Same Grapes, Different Worlds

Two countries. Four wines. Two classic grapes. One seriously fun tasting. Join us at Audrey Green for a side-by-side exploration of France and Australia, discovering how the same grape varieties can produce dramatically different wines depending on where they are grown. We’ll put Chardonnay and Syrah/Shiraz head-to-head, with wines tasted in pairs – and potentially blind – to see if you can tell old world from new. Chardonnay: Shaw + Smith ‘M3’ Chardonnay 2023 – Adelaide Hills vs Jean-Claude Boisset ‘Sous La Roche’ Mâcon-Igé 2023 – Burgundy. Syrah / Shiraz: Clonakilla ‘Hilltops’ Shiraz 2022 – Canberra District vs Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage 2021 – Rhône. From cool-climate Australian Chardonnay to Burgundy, and from elegant Rhône Syrah to expressive Australian Shiraz, we’ll explore the influence of place, climate, winemaking and tradition on the wines in your glass. Expect plenty of tasting, comparison and conversation – with food pairings designed to complement each wine and bring the differences into focus. This is a tasting for wine lovers who enjoy a little friendly competition. Taste the wines side-by-side, make your predictions and discover what really separates French and Australian interpretations of these iconic grapes. Whether you're a seasoned wine drinker or simply curious to understand more about what makes a wine taste the way it does, this is a relaxed and accessible way to explore two of the world's great wine cultures.