Great wine is rarely the work of a single generation. Tonight’s ten wines come from one extended family: the Crosers of Australia and the Bizots of Champagne. They joined when Brian Croser’s daughter Lucy married Xavier Bizot, whose family is woven into Champagne Bollinger. Our evening is hosted by wine expert Helen McGahan from Terroir Selections, an importer owned by Xavier & Lucy.

This story began in 1984, when Petaluma founder, Brian Croser, travelled to Champagne seeking a business partner and teamed up with Christian Bizot, patriarch of the French Champagne house Bollinger. Christian was responsible for making Bollinger the champagne of choice for James Bond.  In 2002 they founded Tapanappa with Jean-Michel Cazes of Château Lynch-Bages. Brian calls both men revered mentors.

Today that knowledge is handed down. The Piccadilly Valley vineyard Christian planted in 1995 now belongs to Xavier and Lucy, and Brian says his vision will increasingly rest in Xavier’s capable hands. Brian is renown as a leader in modernising Australian wine. He is an Officer of the Order of Australia, was named Decanter Man of the Year in 2004, and twice led the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia. From Bollinger’s family estates come Domaine Chanson in Burgundy and Hubert Brochard in Sancerre. Both appear on our beautiful menu, including two Premier Cru from Chanson in Burgundy.

Every wine paired with the beautiful cuisine of Executive Chef Jordon Garcia’s five-course menu is made with deep family tradition, superb quality and lots of class. Do not miss these superb wines and the fascinating story of these great wine families. Seats are limited, so book early.