Held on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in the buzzing beachside town of Noosa, this event has quickly gained a reputation as one of the ‘must do’ festivals in many a gourmet’s social calendar. With a power-packed line up of renowned chefs including Tetsuya Wakuda, Gary Mehigan, Justin North, Matt Moran and Maggie Beer alongside wine personalities James Halliday, Tony Love, Peter Forrestal, Dan Buckle and Paul Henry, it’s no wonder 26,000 fans converged on this year’s May festival. 

In 2011, Wine Australia supported the event by the way of a series of exclusive, decadent and informative A+ Australian Wine Landmark Australia master classes, to showcase some of the best of the best offerings currently doing the rounds in Australian wine circles. These wines were also matched alongside delectable food pairings, prepared by one of Noosa’s favourite hotspots, Berardo’s Restaurant.


It was here at Berardo’s, were over 100 wine and food enthusiasts took part in the Landmark Australia master classes, swirling, sniffing and sipping their way through a snapshot of our finest Chardonnay and Shiraz – two of Australia’s ‘best in class’ varietals.

Check out what some of the participants had to say about the A+ Australian Wine tastings:

“…What a fantastic way to discover Chardonnay! An excellent Summer wine and a surprise that a wine held in such differing view could reveal so much…Looking forward to discovering Australian wines even more. Well done!...”

“…Most importantly, I feel that attending today’s tasting has reinvented my interest/enthusiasm for Chardonnay…”

“…Very enjoyable and informative. All of my friends are on the Sauv Blanc band wagon but I am sticking with Chardonnay. Thank you…”

The A+ Australian Wine team thought we would also share a selection of the expertly composed tasting notes (wine talk for a short summary of their thoughts of the individual wines) from the master class participants during the festival. These astute wine lovers can now proudly boast to their friends in being A+ Australian Wine Connoisseurs!

Landmark Australia Shiraz

Wine: 2009 Clonakilla Shiraz/Viognier, Canberra District, NSW

“…This wine had a light and spicy smell, it was smooth and light on the palate, with floral notes. Perfect for a Spring lunch!” – Nyssa (winner of A+ Australian Wine Connoisseur Competition) 

Wine: 2009 Glaetzer Amon Ra Shiraz, Barossa Valley, SA

“…Butterflies dancing on the nose, a dance starting as a tango, to a waltz, through to a smooch. I would dance all night with this wine…” – Gerald
 
Landmark Australia Chardonnay

Wine: 2009 Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay, Margaret River, WA

 “…Before tasting the wines, the smell of number 6 - Vasse Felix – spoke to me and told me I was home. After tasting – perfect balance of cream, oak and love thrown in, Lovely!...” – Caroline

Wine: 2008 Yabby Lake Block 6 Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula, VIC

“…A beautiful lightly oaked flavour, with great fruit. Vibrant and fresh without being too acidic….” – Doug

You too can become an A+ Australian Wine Connoisseur – check our brand new Regional Heroes Tasting Challenge by clicking here and taste your way through Australia’s most famous wines and regions!

To learn more of Australia’s burgeoning fine wine personality Landmark Australia, click here