Australia Day 2026 Dinner

Australia Day is a celebration of place, diversity, and the bold yet refined character of Australian food and wine.

For our 2026 Australia Day Dinner at the National Yacht Club, the Australian Wine Society of Toronto has curated a menu and wine lineup that highlight both classic pairings and regional contrast.

From vibrant, refreshing wines served with reception hors d’oeuvres, through carefully matched course pairings, and concluding with a special selection of treasured “Oldies,” the evening showcases the breadth, balance, and ageing potential of Australian wines alongside a thoughtfully designed menu.

Cost (Includes taxes and service charges. Excludes PayPal processing fee):

AWS Members -$130, AWS Member Guests (same order) - $140, and Non-Member attendees - $150. A non-wine option is also available - $100.

The evening will begin with a reception from 6:45 p.m. with a great selection of canapes and wines. We will begin seating for our three course dinner shortly after 7:30 p.m..

Wines selected from our cellar by CellerMaster Joe Gentile:

A selection of three Hors d’oeuvres

Deep Woods Ivory Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2018 – Margaret River, WA
Paired with reception hors d’oeuvres, this refined Margaret River blend offers lifted citrus, subtle tropical fruit, and fresh herbal notes. Crisp acidity and a clean, mineral finish make it an ideal palate-awakening start to the evening.

Fourth Wave “Speak No Evil” Shiraz 2018 – South Eastern Australia
Served alongside the hors d’oeuvres, this approachable Shiraz shows ripe blackberry, plum, and gentle spice. Soft tannins and a smooth texture allow it to complement savoury bites without overwhelming them.

Gapsted Wines “Tobacco Road” Sauvignon Blanc 2016 – Alpine Valleys, VIC
A vibrant, cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc featuring gooseberry, citrus zest, and grassy aromatics. Its lively acidity refreshes the palate and pairs effortlessly with lighter and herb-driven reception offerings.

Taltarni Cuvée Rosé 2016 – Victoria
This méthode traditionnelle sparkling rosé brings fine bubbles, red berry notes, and hints of citrus and brioche. Elegant and festive, it enhances both rich and delicate hors d’oeuvres while setting a celebratory tone.

Goat Cheese and Portobello Pastie
Arugula and popcorn seedling salad, yuzu mayo, beet carpaccio

Tahbilk Marsanne 2023 – Nagambie Lakes, VIC
A fresh yet textured Marsanne with flavours of pear, melon, citrus, and subtle florals. Its gentle weight and balanced acidity complement the creaminess of the goat cheese, the earthiness of the portobello, and the brightness of the yuzu-infused salad.

(Choice of one)

Australian Lamb Shank
Crisp parmesan potato pavé, broccolini, Tahitian vanilla spiced carrots, rosemary jus, mint preserve

Pan-Seared Branzino
Lobster risotto, garlic spinach, parmesan crisp, myrtle-spiced sweet pea purée

Cheddar and Leek Potato Gnocchi
Tomato chutney, parmesan crisp, wilted greens

Gapsted Wines “Tobacco Road” Shiraz 2013 – Alpine Valleys, VIC
A cool-climate Shiraz showing dark cherry, blackberry, pepper, and savoury spice. Its integrated tannins and freshness make it a natural match for the lamb shank while remaining balanced enough for the gnocchi.

McGuigan Bin Series No. 9000 Semillon 2018 – Hunter Valley, NSW
Classic Hunter Valley Semillon with bright lemon and lime flavours and vibrant acidity. Clean and focused, it pairs particularly well with the branzino and lobster risotto, cutting through richness while enhancing seafood flavours.

Rob Dolan Black Label Four + One 2019 – Yarra Valley, VIC
A distinctive blend offering dark fruit, spice, and savoury complexity. Medium-bodied with polished tannins, it bridges elegance and depth, making it versatile across all three main course options.

(Choice of one)

Fruit Pavlova
Fresh cream, toasted macadamia nuts, brandy snap

Sticky Toffee Pudding
Whisky caramel, homemade ginger ice cream, macerated seasonal fruit

Tea and coffee station available

(Main-course wines and selected Oldies may be enjoyed with dessert as desired.)

John Duval Eligo Shiraz 2012 – Barossa Valley, SA
A powerful yet poised Shiraz with concentrated blackberry, dark chocolate, and spice, supported by fine tannins and impressive length.

Mollydooker “The Scooter” Merlot 2015 – McLaren Vale, SA
Rich and expressive, offering ripe plum, mocha, and dark chocolate notes with a plush, generous palate.

Pirramimma Petit Verdot 2004 – McLaren Vale, SA
Deeply coloured and mature, showing dark fruit, leather, and earthy spice—an excellent example of aged Petit Verdot’s structure and longevity.

The Lane John Creighton Shiraz 2010 – Adelaide Hills, SA
Elegant cool-climate Shiraz with black cherry, pepper, and floral notes, finishing with refined tannins and freshness.

Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon / Shiraz 2001 – Barossa Valley, SA
A flagship Australian blend combining Cabernet’s structure with Shiraz’s generosity. Mature aromas of cassis, cedar, spice, and leather lead to a beautifully resolved palate—an outstanding conclusion to the evening.

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Host or Publisher The Australian Wine Society of Toronto