The Champagne Bureau Australia has revealed the winners of its 2025 Champagne Pairing Competition, which asked participants to showcase their creativity in pairing Champagne with food.
This year’s competition was judged by luxury brand consultant and Champagne enthusiast Joanna Hunkin, who highlighted the fun, joyful and complex pairings of the three winners:
Mimi Mrazikova (Aria, Sydney) who paired Bouzy Rosé Champagne with a fresh Banh Mi enjoyed picnic-style in the Botanic Gardens. Hunkin said: “I love the fun, casual nature of this pairing – putting Champagne in a relaxed setting with bold yet accessible flavours that people wouldn’t immediately think to pair with Champagne. Mimi really painted a picture and I wanted to be right there with her in the Botanic Gardens, drinking some of Bouzy’s finest rosé and enjoying fresh Bahn mi.”
Isabel Webster (Freelance, Sydney) celebrated Champagne’s versatility by pairing a pure Meunier Champagne with a tomato and cheese toastie. Hunkin said: “Again, this pairing was joyful! It leans into Champagne being perfect for any occasion – and I especially liked that she chose the more unusual option of a pure meunier Champagne, which is often the lesser loved of Champagne varieties. While tomato and cheese may seem a simple flavour profile it brings rich umami flavours, along with salt and fat to create the perfect Champagne pairing.”
Andrew Wong (IPPIN Japanese Dining, Brisbane) paired Bollinger Special Cuvée x IPPIN Mentaiko Scallop Yaki, and Hunkin said: “I enjoyed the ceremony of this pairing and the focus of pairing the Champagne with the complex, savoury seasoning of the dish. It showcases the depth and robustness of Champagne when it comes to food.”
For further education and personal Champagne research, each winner will receive a curated selection of three Champagne cuvées, representing the diversity and craftsmanship of Champagne available in Australia.
John Noble, Director of the Champagne Bureau Australia, said: “These entries capture what makes Champagne so loved in Australia – its versatility, creativity, and the joy it brings to any and every occasion.”
The Champagne Bureau Australia is the Australian office representing the Comité Champagne, the trade body that manages the interests of the Champagne Houses and the independent Champagne Growers of the Champagne appellation.