Join us for a 4 week in-person education course taking place at the Handpicked Wines cellar door on Collins Street, Melbourne, hosted by wine writer and Halliday Tasting Team member Jane Faulkner.

If you're looking to learn about wine in a relaxed and informative setting, now's your chance. We're bringing our four week in-person education course to Melbourne.

Our aim is to empower you with an in-depth understanding of the Australian wine landscape. We'll cover topics such as how wine is made, how to describe wine, how to approach food and wine matching and additional handy tips that address common wine questions.

Each week you'll be taken through course materials and a selection of highly rated wines. Each session will take place from 6–8pm on the following dates:

7 May / 14 May / 21 May / 28 May

Hosted by Jane Faulkner, Australian wine writer, judge and Halliday Tasting Team member, you’ll delve into the wonderful world of wine and go on a journey as you taste eight carefully curated varietals that are popular in Australia.

Who is this for?

The course is designed with the beginner in mind, but it will also appeal to those more advanced in their wine journey.

Wine lovers at all stages who are wanting to grow or consolidate their knowledge
Individuals looking for a wine appreciation course that cuts out the jargon
Friends and family looking to get together for a unique group learning experience
Hobbyists looking to grow their circle of wine lovers – start connecting with like-minded enthusiasts

What you'll learn?

The course is broken up into four two-hour sessions throughout the month. Topics covered include:

Week one

Course introduction

Grapes and Vineyards

Learning to taste wine

Australian wine regions

Week two

Harvesting grapes

Winemaking for white wines

Classic regional styles – body and terroir

Week three

Red wine

Red winemaking

Classic regional styles – body and terroir

Week four

Sparkling wine

Amber and rose wine

Food and wine pairing

About Jane Faulkner

Jane is a journalist by training and wine writer by vocation. A long-time contributor and columnist for Halliday magazine, she has been reviewing for the Companion since 2016. Respected for her honesty and fairness yet rigour and independence in her writing and tasting, Jane is constantly honing those skills. She started her career in newspapers, later working at The Age/The Sydney Morning Herald, and also in TV and radio. She is a sought-after wine judge, locally and internationally, and chairs numerous shows.

With thanks to our sponsors

In Sydney? Join Halliday Tasting Team member Mike Bennie at the Handpicked Cellar Door, 50 Kensington Street, Chippendale. Find tickets here.

Are you from another state? We have our in person education coming to other major cities. Register your interest here.