Sip Happens: NSW vs. the World Wine Tasting

Four grapes. Two teams. One very good excuse to day-drink with intent.

We're pouring the same variety from NSW and from the other side of the planet, side by side, and letting your tastebuds do the judging. Turns out a grape is just the opening line: the soil, the climate, the winemaker's mood, centuries of tradition or none at all, they all get a say in how the story ends.

Here's the twist: our two sommeliers aren't just pouring, they're pitching. Sixty seconds each, per wine, to convince you theirs deserves the win — no grape or region revealed until the votes are in. Think of yourselves as the interview panel: charming, a little sceptical, very open to bribery (nibbles help).

The best part? Nobody's being tested here. It’s about following your nose, backing your gut, and enjoying watching two sommeliers talk their hearts out for a glass of wine.

On the pour:

• Welcome bubbles — a NSW sparkling to kick off the afternoon
• Round One: Whites
• Break — nibbles and needle your table about their picks
• Round Two: Reds
• The Mystery Bottle: guess it right and take home a bottle (or some very good merch)

Vote after every round for the one that wins you over. All will be revealed at the end of each: variety, region, and the story behind what made it taste that way.

Come find out what a place can do to a wine, and who wears the crown.