The Champagne Bureau Australia recently announced 12 finalists from around the country for the Vin de Champagne Awards.
This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the Vin de Champagne Awards, presented every two years. Finalists were selected in the following categories:-
Professional (for people who gain income from the food & wine industry)
Peta Baverstock, SA Loaves & Fishes
Pascale Fayd‘herbe, WA Singlefile Wines
Annette Lacey, NSW Sydney Wine Academy
Erin Larkin, WA Lamont’s Wine Store
Cam O’Keefe, VIC Sommelier, Harry & Frankie
Amanda Reboul, QLD RBL International
Amateur (for those who have a passion about Champagne)
Tim Heath, NSW Consultant, SMS Management & Technology
Ross Kennedy, VIC Executive Advisor, St Barbara Limited
Elizabeth Rusiti, NSW Retired Family Lawyer
Michael Solomons, NSW CEO, The Queen’s Club
Tom Warrell, NSW Operations Manager, Uber
Saskia Valenti, WA Market Researcher
Finalists will be flown to Sydney for the final judging on September 22nd where they are required to show their skills in tasting a range of Champagne styles. Judging of the finalists will be conducted by former professional winners Huon Hooke and Peter Bourne along with former amateur winner Bernadette O’Shea.
Following the judging, the winners will be announced in the evening at a gala black tie dinner at The Hotel Centennial, where renowned chef Justin North will create a menu to match fifteen Champagne wines.
Winners receive a two-week educational tour to the Champagne district in France, where they receive their medal from Le Comité Champagne and enjoy the legendary Champenois hospitality.
“The award has run for over 40 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 one of the key export markets of Champagne,” said Elisabeth Drysdale, director of the Champagne Bureau.