Join us for an exclusive Penfolds Wine Dinner at Emporium Hotel South Bank. Begin your evening with arrival canapés perfectly paired with the brand new Penfolds Champagne Cuvée Brut NV, setting the tone for an extraordinary experience.

Our expert chefs have curated a sumptuous five-course menu, meticulously designed to complement a selection of nine exceptional Penfolds wines, including highlights from the brand new 2024 collection. Among these is the rare 2018 St Henri Shiraz, carefully selected from our private cellars, and the iconic Grange 2020, valued at $1000 per bottle. This culinary journey showcases a diverse array of flavours, from delicate seafood to robust meats and decadent desserts, each elevated by Penfolds' legendary winemaking.

The evening will be hosted by Sam O’Connell, Penfolds' Brand Ambassador, who will guide you through the evening with insights into Penfolds' storied history, winemaking techniques, and the unique characteristics of the wines you will be tasting.

In addition to the wine pairings, guests will have the chance to take home exclusive gift bags, valued at over $50, including a special edition of the "Rewards of Patience" book, a champagne stopper, and more. One lucky attendee will also win a lucky door prize.

During this dinner, we will explore Penfolds' Cellar Reserve project, introduced by Chief Winemaker Peter Gago in the mid-1990s. This initiative provides the winemaking team with a creative space to experiment and produce alternative, rare, and one-off wines. Carefully nurtured in the winery's cellars, these unique releases emerge when deemed ready, showcasing new styles and the freedom of expression that Penfolds is celebrated for. These limited-edition wines, highly sought-after by collectors and fine wine enthusiasts, are a testament to the innovation and craftsmanship that define Penfolds' legacy.

- Penfolds Champagne Cuvée Brut NV (RRP $79)
- Bin 51 Riesling 2023 (RRP $55 – 18 points)
- Bin 311 Chardonnay 2023 (RRP $60 – 95 points)
- Cellar Reserve GSM 2023 (RRP $50)
- Cellar Reserve Pinot Noir 2023 (RRP $85)
- St Henri Shiraz 2018 (RRP $150 – 99 points)
- St Henri Shiraz 2021 (RRP $135 – 98+ points)
- Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2022 (RRP $120 – 98 points)
- Grange 2020 (RRP $1000 – 98 points)
- Grandfather Rare Tawny NV (RRP $100)

We look forward to welcoming you to this exceptional evening of Penfolds perfection.

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Event Summary

Arrival canapés + five-course dinner
Ten Penfolds wine pairings
Hosted by Sam O’Connell, Penfolds Brand Ambassador
Exclusive gift bags for all orders placed on the evening (value $50+)
Lucky door prize to be won
Discounted entry for Concierge Club members*

*To claim your club discount, please visit The Reserve Events page to unlock your discount code: www.reservecellar.com.au/events.

About the host:

Sam O'Connell
Penfolds Brand Ambassador

Sam O'Connell began his journey with Penfolds in 2015 as a Cellar Hand at the renowned Magill Estate Winery, where he played an integral role during the vintage season. His experience at Magill Estate ignited his passion for wine, leading him to host tours, masterclasses, and tastings at the Cellar Door for international guests. Sam has developed a deep understanding of Penfolds’ iconic wine collections through his hands-on work with their winemaking team.

Over the years, Sam has been involved in key Penfolds events, including Re-corking Clinics and Rewards of Patience tastings, where he worked closely with collectors and wine experts to gain a comprehensive knowledge of Penfolds’ museum wines. His enthusiasm for viticulture has been matched by formal education, completing both Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications.

In 2022, Sam was appointed as a Penfolds Brand Ambassador, quickly becoming a familiar face at prestigious events like the Melbourne Cup Carnival and Australian Open, where Penfolds hosts luxury wine experiences. Today, Sam travels extensively, sharing his wine expertise and love for Penfolds with enthusiasts worldwide.

Pair your evening with an exquisite nights sleep at Emporium Hotel.
Guests attending any event hosted by The Reserve will receive 15% OFF an overnight stay on the night of the event. Please refer to your PDF ticket for redemption details.