Readers of this publication might be interested to learn of a new project I am undertaking together with my wife, Jennifer, which Vintage Cellars has elected to sponsor in 2002. Last year we both attended an exceptional wine event in Johannesburg, hosted and arranged by Michael and Janice Fridjhon. This occasion was the inspiration behind what has since become The OnWine Experience, an annual activity designed to benchmark the best of Australia’s wine against the rest of the world, especially Old World Europe. This year’s theme is Pinot Noir, both as a still red and a sparkling wine. Special guest Pascal Marchand is Director of Wine for Domaine de la Vougeraie, the largest new Burgundian domaine created since World War II. The OnWine Experience is anything but yet another series of so-called ‘Masterclasses’. Instead, it is an opportunity to taste the best in the world, to attend some truly memorable wine, food and social events, and to meet some of the winemakers at Australia’s cutting edge. While the major part of the event is a weekend of various activities in Melbourne from July 26-28, it also comprises classic Pinot Noir Dinners in each of Brisbane, Sydney and Perth on July 23, 24 and 30 respectively. Located at the Park Hyatt Hotel, the Melbourne weekend features an international pinot noir tasting, a guided tasting tour of the 2000 Burgundy vintage, a black tie Melbourne Pinot Noir Dinner and a Champagne Brunch. For further information, please phone Freecall 1800 669 463, or visit www.onwine.com.au.
