Chardonnay is now the biggest selling white wine in Australia. In this challenge you will compare and evaluate Chardonnays from around the world. Consider New World Chardonnay in the light of wines from their birthplace in France.Compared to the original from Burgundy is there a better Chardonnay from Australia, Europe, NZ, South or North America? Participants in the Challenge will learn how to judge the quality of Chardonnay and will decide which wine is the winner.

World Chardonnay Challenge

Course Description

Join the World Chardonnay Challenge and explore the world’s most popular white wine, as you compare and evaluate Chardonnay from across the globe. 

In this hands-on tasting session, you’ll experience a diverse selection of Chardonnay, ranging from the iconic wines of Burgundy in France – the birthplace of the variety – to standout examples from Australia, New Zealand, North and South America. 

You’ll taste the differences in style, flavour, and texture, and uncover what makes each region’s expression of Chardonnay unique.

As you dive into this challenge, you’ll learn to assess how terroir, climate, and winemaking techniques influence the final wine. 

Guided by an experienced tutor, you’ll explore whether Chardonnay from New World regions such as Australia and New Zealand can compete with, or perhaps even surpass, the traditional French styles. 

By the end of the session, you’ll have a deeper understanding of Chardonnay’s global versatility and feel confident in choosing the perfect bottle, whether you’re looking for something crisp and mineral or rich and oaky.

Over the course of three hours, you’ll taste three wines per hour – equivalent to one standard drink per hour. While this is generally considered a moderate pace, it’s important to understand that everyone metabolises alcohol differently, and individual tolerance levels can vary. 

Please note that participants must be aged 18 or over to attend this course.

Course Structure

The session begins with a warm welcome and a brief introduction to your tutor, along with an overview of what to expect during the course. From there, you'll be guided through key information about the featured wine, including signature styles, and production methods.

Your tutor will then demonstrate a simple yet effective method for evaluating wine, which you’ll use throughout the class. Working individually or in small groups, you’ll taste a variety of wines, apply the evaluation method, and share your observations in open discussions.

To support your learning, you’ll receive a concise set of notes summarising the key concepts covered. There will be plenty of time for questions and conversation throughout the session. 

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Broaden their knowledge and appreciation of Chardonnay wine
• Apply a basic method for evaluating wines
• Use appropriate wine vocabulary to describe and discuss wines
• Make more informed decisions about wine purchases and assess value for money
• Enjoy a structured and engaging approach to learning about wine.

Your Tutor is David Crossman

David Crossman BA, Grad Dip Ed, Cert IV WTA has been teaching at WEA since 1994. 

David has a background in secondary school teaching, with a long-term interest in wine. While spending six months in France experiencing their wine culture, he developed an even greater enthusiasm. He was even invited to judge French wine at the Concours Agricole de Paris!

Since returning to Australia David has been involved in secondary education, adult education and wine activities. He has completed an Advanced Wine Studies course at TAFE, and has experience in wine sales as a wholesaler and retailer. He also has experience as both a teacher and administrator in adult education, and has taught the TAFE competency ‘Wine Evaluation’.

David truly believes that wine is made to be enjoyed, so his wine courses are designed to be enjoyable too.