France vs Australia: Same Grapes, Different Worlds

Join us at Audrey Green for a side-by-side exploration of France and Australia, discovering how the same grape varieties can produce dramatically different wines depending on where they are grown.

We’ll put Chardonnay and Syrah/Shiraz head-to-head, with wines tasted in pairs – and potentially blind – to see if you can tell old world from new.

Chardonnay

🇦🇺 Shaw + Smith ‘M3’ Chardonnay 2023 – Adelaide Hills
🇫🇷 Jean-Claude Boisset ‘Sous La Roche’ Mâcon-Igé 2023 – Burgundy

Syrah / Shiraz

🇦🇺 Clonakilla ‘Hilltops’ Shiraz 2022 – Canberra District
🇫🇷 Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage 2021 – Rhône

From cool-climate Australian Chardonnay to Burgundy, and from elegant Rhône Syrah to expressive Australian Shiraz, we’ll explore the influence of place, climate, winemaking and tradition on the wines in your glass.

Expect plenty of tasting, comparison and conversation – with food pairings designed to complement each wine and bring the differences into focus.

Can you tell them apart?

This is a tasting for wine lovers who enjoy a little friendly competition. Taste the wines side-by-side, make your predictions and discover what really separates French and Australian interpretations of these iconic grapes.

Whether you're a seasoned wine drinker or simply curious to understand more about what makes a wine taste the way it does, this is a relaxed and accessible way to explore two of the world's great wine cultures.

Meet your host – Charlotte Kristensen

Charlotte Kristensen, known as London Wine Girl, is a London-based wine columnist, communicator, educator and author.

After beginning her career as a construction lawyer in the City of London, Charlotte discovered her passion for wine while living in New York and made the leap from the corporate world into the wine industry. She launched @thelondonwinegirl in 2018 to document her wine journey.

Charlotte completed the WSET Diploma in Wines with Merit in 2020 and is a certified WSET wine educator. Since 2022, she has been the weekly wine columnist for You Magazine in the Mail on Sunday and also runs luxury WSET courses at Michelin-starred HIDE in London, with a particular focus on fine wine and gastronomy.

Part of our Paired series

This tasting forms part of Paired, our series celebrating exceptional wines, producers and place.

Come ready to taste, compare and challenge your palate – and see whether you can tell France from Australia.

Tickets are limited.