Australia tasting to see MS vs MW showdown

Six of the UK’s leading Masters of Wines and Master Sommeliers will go head-to-head in a food and Australian wine matching contest at this month’s Australia Day Tasting in London.

The Australia Day Tasting takes place every January in London (Photo: Wine Australia)

The Great Aussie Taste-Off will pit a Master of Wine against a Master Sommelier across three sessions, each debating the wines they believe best match a series of dishes prepared by Michelin-starred chef Roger Jones of The Harrow at Little Bedwyn.

After tasting the food and wine together the invitation-only audience will vote for their favourite match.

The battle, in partnership with Tourism Australia’s Restaurant Australia campaign, will see the following head-to-heads: Natasha Hughes MW vs Clement Robert MS, Justin Knock MW vs Xavier Rousset MS and Jo Ahearne MW vs Isa Bal MS.

The event will take place during the Australia Day Tasting, to be held at Lindley Hall in London on 26 January.

The annual trade event is the largest showcase of Australian wines in the UK and Europe, with more than 1000 wines being presented along with wineries seeking distribution in the UK market.

Wine Australia head of UK and Europe Laura Jewell MW said: “The Great Aussie Taste-Off will prove how a myriad of Australian wines can be paired to a range of international cuisines by highlighting the adaptability of some of our premium offerings.

“I hope the calibre of competitors will ensure the on-trade in particular come and see which wines inspire some of the best in the business.”