Hosted recently at WSET School London, Australian Icons 2026 brought participants together for a guided tasting that spanned regions, varieties and decades. From Tasmania to Margaret River, Canberra District to the Barossa, the line-up offered a rare opportunity to taste benchmark wines side by side and explore the stories, sites and decisions that sit behind Australia’s most enduring labels.

What resonated most strongly with the audience was not just the quality in the glass, but the context around it. Stories of site selection, seasonal decision-making, regional evolution and generational stewardship brought the wines to life and reinforced why Australia continues to command attention in the global fine wine conversation.

For trade, the tasting reinforced the diversity and depth that sits behind Australia’s best-known names. For consumers, it offered insight into why these wines endure, not only as luxury products, but as expressions of place, craft and time.

Events like Australian Icons play a vital role in deepening understanding and appreciation of Australian wine. When benchmark wines are presented with care, clarity and authenticity, the result is confidence in category and renewed excitement around what Australia does best.

The response from the room said it all. Engaged discussion, thoughtful questions and feedback that spoke to both the calibre of the wines and the depth of context shared throughout the evening.

“Superb and incredibly knowledgeable speaker, fantastic wines. Excellent value for money given the superb wines we tasted.”

“Totally amazing. Extraordinary wine selection and great, knowledgeable and relaxed speaker.”

“Engaging and interesting history and winemaking context. Good anecdotes and quirky tales on wines.”

Tasting Line-up: Australian Icons

Sparkling

• House of Arras ‘Grand Reserve’ 2015
  Tasmania

White

• Grosset ‘Polish Hill’ Riesling 2019
  Clare Valley
• Leeuwin Estate ‘Art Series’ Chardonnay 2018
  Margaret River
• Yalumba ‘The Virgilius’ Viognier 2023
  Eden Valley

Red

• By Farr ‘Sangreal’ Pinot Noir 2022
  Geelong
• Cullen ‘Diana Madeline’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
  Margaret River
• Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2016
  Canberra District
• Penfolds ‘Grange’ 1997
  South Australia

Sweet Wine

• De Bortoli ‘Noble One’ Semillon 2021
  Riverina

Vintages below from our trade expo may differ from those tasted at the event.