Starting with the Adelaide Hills wine tasting in September, followed shortly afterwards by the Fizz n Stickies and culminating with the Landmark Australia in November and John Wilson’s Favourite Australians, I can say hand on heart, I’m a fully signed up member of the Australian wine fan club.

Of course, it’s a reflection of all the great work that John McDonnell from Wine Australia has been doing – bringing the message and, more importantly, the best wines of Australia to Irish shores. The work Wine Australia does is a case study in itself on how to market a country’s and region’s wines. Other countries still have a bit of catching up to do.

I firmly believe that Australia can compete and beat wines from anywhere, of any type, style or price. Sometimes, you just need to know where to look.

Anyhoo, that’s a rather longwinded introduction to some ideas on what to buy that wine buff of yours for Christmas.

1. Barossa Tasting and Dinner, 26th January 2010

Wine Australia is celebrating Australia Day with an “Evening in the Barossa”  on Tuesday 26th January.

The venue is the top floor in Fallon and Byrne on Exchequer Street, Dublin 2.

Background to Barossa

With over 160 years of winemaking history, and home to some of the great names of the Australian wine world and the world’s oldest vines, Barossa could be described as the centre of the Australian wine world, just as Bordeaux is arguably centre of the wine universe.

Presenter for this evening

Toby Barlow, Winemaker at St. Hallett Wines will be the guide for an evening in his native Barossa. Toby will host a tasting of various Barossa wines followed by a 4 course meal accompanied by some of his St. Hallett wines.

Cost

The cost for the evening is €65 per person. Four course meal plus wines? Brilliant value.

Booking

You can book directly with the restaurant at Fallon and Byrne. Call: 01 472 1000

2. Australian wine course

I’ve done a few of the WSET wine courses, and unfortunately many countries are only paid lip service, Australia included. This course aims to bridge that gap with an exploration of what Australia has to offer over the course of four nights.

Starting on February 11th, the course is structured as follows:

  1. February Thursday 11th. Regional Heroes, Classic styles from unique locations.
  2. February Thursday 18th. Generation Next. New regions, different styles, unusual varieties, now that’s different!
  3. February Thursday 25th. Mystery Night. Let’s have some fun.
  4. March Thursday 4th. Landmark Australia. Australia’s finest.

The course will be presented by John Mc Donnell from Wine Australia.

The focus is on fun, enjoyment and lots of delicious wines to taste (and no exam). This is an ideal wine lover’s course. Tasty bites served each evening.

Where?

The course will take place in Fallon & Byrne’s on Exchequer Street in Dublin.

Cost

€100

Booking

Book with Dave Gallagher at Fallon and Byrne on 01 472 1012

3. Wine & Rugby: the perfect combination

Ireland start their defence of the 6 nations campaign against the Azzuri, but what do Italy have to do with Australia wine? Good question. The Aussies are a ballsy bunch, and have been putting some yakka (hard work) into more than just the big names of the grape world. When it comes to Italian grapes, think Pinot Grigio, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Dolcetto, Langrein. Born in Italy, grown up in Australia.

Where?

Prematch lunch at The Exchequer on Exchequer Street served with some of the above Italian themed Australian wines followed by the match.

Cost

€100 to cover lunch, all wines and match ticket.

Booking

Contact Wine Australia to reserve your place as soon as possible (only 40 available).

Tel: (065) 707 7264 or email