A passion for Champagne has led Northern Sydney Institute Sydney Wine Academy lecturer Annette Lacey, and Ryde College Wine Sprits Education Trust (WSET) student Tom Warrell to become finalists in one of Australia’s most coveted Champagne awards.
The Champagne Bureau Australia recently announced Annette and Tom finalists of The Comite Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC) 2012 Vin de Champagne Awards.
Annette was one of 12 finalists selected in Australia for the Professional Award Category, while Tom is in the running to win the Amateur Award.
Karen Macalister, Head of the McWilliam's Academy of Wine, also made it through to the final. Karen has recently completed her WSET Diploma studies at the Sydney Wine Academy.
Presented every two years by the Champagne Bureau Australia, past winners of this prestigious award include some of the country’s most knowledgeable wine industry personnel, winemakers, journalists, restaurateurs, commentators and educators include Peter Bourne, Huon Hooke and Greg Plowes.
Annette, Tom and Karen will show their skills in tasting a range of Champagne styles at the final judging on 26 September 2012.
Judging of the finalists will be conducted by former professional winners Huon Hooke and Peter Bourne along with former amateur winner Bernadette O’Shea and the Comité Champagne Communications Director, Thibaut Le Mailloux.
Winners receive a two-week educational tour to the Champagne district in France, where they will receive their medal from Le Comité Champagne.
For information on courses offered at the Sydney Wine Academy, visit http://www.nsi.tafensw.edu.au/swa/