Join author Karen MacNeil, author of The Wine Bible and the weekly newsletter WineSpeed, for this four part live tasting series that showcases the diversity, history and innovation of Australian wine.  Each tasting will be presented by 3 winemakers or viticulturists who will showcase one of their wines, with conversations guided by Karen. Taste along with them by purchasing the wines in advance through our retail partners, K&L Wine Merchants and www.wine.com.

Tasting #1 - The Big Australian Surprise: Cabernet Sauvignon

October 22 at 5pm Pacific Standard Time

Australia makes some of the most delicious and exciting cabernets in the world. Even though the country boasts the oldest cabernet sauvignon vines in the world, the story of Australian cabernet’s success is only now starting to be told. Join us as we taste and explore three fantastic cabernets from McLaren Vale, Coonawarra and Margaret River.

• Hickinbotham – Chris Carpenter / Trueman Cabernet Sauvignon
• Penley Estate – Kate Goodman / Tolmer Cabernet Sauvignon
• Vasse Felix – Virginia Willcock / Cabernet Sauvignon 

Tasting #2 - The Oldest Vines on the Planet

November 5 at 5pm Pacific Standard Time

The oldest vines on the planet are not in Europe… they are in Australia, where they are treasured and nurtured. Join us as we taste and talk with three multi-generational families who care for some of the world’s most precious genetic plant material. Do old vines make wines of exceptional beauty? We’ll find out.  

• Henschke – Stephen Henschke / Mount Edelstone Shiraz
• Cirillo – Marco Cirillo / 1850 Grenache
• Hewitson – Dean Hewitson / Old Garden Mourvedre

Tasting #3 - Australia on Your Dinner Table

November 19 at 5pm Pacific Standard Time

The Australian wine scene is as diverse as it is exciting. More than a hundred different grape varieties are grown across 65 wine regions. Join us as we explore three whites (perfect for your holiday dinner table) from winemakers known for the deliciousness of their wines.

• Cullen – Vanya Cullen / Dancing in the Sun white blend
• Jansz Tasmania – Jennifer Doyle / Premium Rose Sparkling Wine NV
• Penfolds – Stephanie Dutton / Bin 311 Chardonnay 

Tasting #4 - New Wave Australia: A Taste of What’s Happening Next

December 3 at 5pm Pacific Standard Time

A young generation of creative Australian winemakers is at the forefront of making “new wave” wines that range from elegant to edgy. Join us as we taste and talk with three avant-garde winemakers who are pushing global boundaries with their deliciously different wines.

• Delinquente – Con-Greg Grigoriou / Tuff Nutt Pet Nat
• Unico Zelo – Laura Carter / Cherry Fields Dolcetto
• Ben Haines – Ben Haines / Shiraz