A Sydney wine bar is preparing to host a face-off between two of the Hunter Valley’s finest winemakers – Tyrrell’s and Brokenwood – as it launches The Summer of Semillon.

Crows Nest’s Knird will host a series of curated tastings and events celebrating Hunter Valley semillon, which has been hailed as “one of Australia’s great gifts to the wine world” by Jancis Robinson.

Winemakers Mark Richardson of Tyrrell’s and Stuart Hordern of Brokenwood will launch The Summer of Semillon in a face-off on November 30. The night will begin with an introduction by owner Andrew Day, followed by insights from Richardson and Hordern on the history of Tyrrell’s, Brokenwood and the featured Semillons. The tasting journey will unfold with discussions on three pairs of outstanding wines, culminating in a Q&A session and an opportunity to revisit favourites.

“I have long had the desire to champion the magic of Hunter Valley Semillon in the Sydney market,” said Day.

“Semillon – be it young or old – drifts over far too few palates in our own backyard. Enjoying young Hunter Valley Semillon in the warmer months should be an absolute given – our climate almost demands it! The fresh, fragrant, citrus, floral and lemongrass characteristics of this wine means it should be in every ice-filled laundry sink, esky and Bunnings tub for those summer backyard BBQs.

“Any avid wine drinker that loves their sauvignon blanc or Pinot Grigio would be blown away and disappointed – all at the same time – that it took them so long to discover the beauty, appeal and delights of this fresh white aromatic. Great aged Semillon would challenge any of the great white wines of the world and in most instances out run them.”

Getting more NSW wine on lists

Only 11.2 per cent of the wines on Sydney wine lists are from NSW according to NSW Wine President Mark Bourne.

By contrast, Wine Australia’s 2022 figures show that listings in South Australia strongly favour wines produced in their state, with 72 per cent being from local regions and only 10 per cent from elsewhere in Australia. 

“There are 16 wine regions in NSW, we have a diversity of climates and styles at all price ranges, and we’ve got some of the oldest vineyards in the country with some of the most iconic wines,” Bourne said.

“The public needs to demand it and trade needs to support it.”

Day agrees and currently features five NSW wines in Knird’s ‘By The Glass’ program.

“NSW is the least parochial wine drinking state in the country and this needs to change,” he said.

Tickets to the Tyrrell’s vs Brokenwood Showdown are priced at $90 and include substantial canapes and seafood. They can be purchased here.

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