How have we never done a wine and cheese pairing that features Australia?!? Do we have a treat for you all!

Australia is a country steeped in history: It holds the oldest continental crust on Earth, dating to 4.4 billion years ago; its Aboriginal people have the oldest continuous culture on Earth; and the oldest fossils ever found — those of cyanobacteria, dated 3.5 billion years — are from rocks in Western Australia.

Yet Australia is no stranger to innovation. It’s home to many inventions and new technology that, quite literally, changed the world. Refrigeration, electronic pacemakers, cochlear implants, black box flight recorders, simple GPS — all manifestations of Australian innovation.

This duality of old and new can also be seen in Australian wine. Historically, wines have been made in fairly traditional ways, with many winemakers having trained abroad and with respect for established vineyards and regions. But Australian wine is also very innovative, with increasingly daring winemakers ready to experiment and push boundaries. This unique Australian approach to winemaking — decidedly independent, slightly irreverent, wildly inspired — is well matched to the country’s unique climate and landscape, making for some very diverse, exceptional wines and a very exciting scene.

Australia’s winemaking history stretches back to 1788, when Governor Arthur Phillip brought the first vines to Sydney. In 1833, James Busby, considered the father of the Australian wine industry, brought cuttings from Spain and France and introduced Shiraz (a.k.a. Syrah) and Grenache to the region. In the early years, Australia produced mainly sweet, fortified wines. It was not until the 1960s that the focus turned to typical table wines. Since then, Australia has produced lively, intense, diverse wines.

Get ready as we sample EIGHT different varietals from all around the country. Wine expert, Chris Curtis of Winebow, will return once again and lead us through the diversity of Australian wines, including one that is allocated (making it extra-special).

South Slope Cheese Shop (Asheville) will pair a delicious cheese with each wine. Everyone will have their own cheese plate with accoutrements.

When: Saturday, March 23, 2024
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $68 per person, includes online booking fee.

The wines featured will be offered at 10% off single bottles, 20% off cases at the event.

Registration/prepayment required. Seating is limited.

We hope you will join us!