UNCORKED AVALON MASTERCLASS | MOUNT PLEASANT WINES
Named James Halliday’s Winery of the year 2017, Mount Pleasant is considered one of Australia’s iconic Australian wine estates.Established in 1921, the estate has been consistent in delivering iconic wine styles that speak of their origins and the wineries extensive heritage. It was here that one of the founding fathers of the modern Australian wine industry, Maurice O’Shea went against convention and made wines that he believed the region could create – elegant, fruit forward and complex. Almost 100 years on, our people continue to be the guardians of this legacy, creating wines that honour a tradition in winemaking excellence and regional integrity.
Mount Pleasant keeps alive the pioneering spirit of its heritage, creating benchmark Hunter Valley wines from fruit sourced off four of the Hunter Valley’s most iconic vineyard sites – Old Hill, Old Paddock, Lovedale and Rosehill. The quality and longevity of Mount Pleasant wines is regularly recognised on the Australian wine show circuit and is a must visit destination when visiting the Hunter Valley.
ADRIAN SPARKS
A passionate advocate for NSW wines, Adrian Sparks has developed a career around sharing with the world wines of elegance, provenance and ultimate drinkability.
Joining the ranks of one of Australia’s premier wine families McWilliam’s Wines in 1998, Adrian was able to explore and experiment with a plethora of different wine styles. It was here that he honed his craft and developed a deep love for white wines and in particular Chardonnay, a varietal that he has had incredible success with.
Chardonnay wines develop under Adrian’s meticulous and skilful hand have been awarded numerous trophies, medals and commendations including NSW wine of the Year in 2013, Best Young Dry White Table Wine of Show at the 2012 Melbourne wine Show and 2013 and Best Table Wine of Show Trophy at the 2006 Vintage Cellars National Wine Show.
His gift with white wines did not go unnoticed by the McWilliam’s family. In, 2014 Adrian was moved from their Hanwood winery in the Riverina to take up a Winemaker role at the iconic Mount Pleasant located in the spiritual home of Semillon – the Hunter Valley.
It was at Mount Pleasant the Adrian continued to flourish becoming a great champion for the region in the winery and on the judging circuit. As an Advanced Wine Assessment Course (AWAC) graduate Adrian has been in high demand to sit on judging panels across Australia and has proudly represented the Hunter Valley wine fraternity at the likes of The Halliday Chardonnay Challenge, Australian National Wine Show, Brisbane Royal Wine Show and many others.
In 2017 Adrian had the great honour of being selected from hundreds of skilled wine industry professionals to take part in the prestigious Len Evans Tutorial. This once in a lifetime course has some of Australia’s best and brightest as part of its alumni, including Chief Group Winemaker for McWilliam’s Jim Chatto. Running since 2001, this tutorial has been described by prolific Australian Wine personality James Halliday as "the most exclusive wine school in the world". Accepting only 12 scholars from more than 150 applicants each year, these select places go to those who have proved themselves to be the cream of the Australian wine industry.
Adrian has also continued to push the boundaries with his winemaking and that of his team by travelling extensively throughout the wine regions of Europe and North America. He has completed vintages in Bordeaux, Burgundy and Limoux which have continued to shape his wine style and philosophy.
Riedel Semillon & Oyster Bar Session Times:
11am - 1145am: Masterclass hosted by Tulloch Wines
Midday - 1245pm: Masterclass hosted by McLeish Estate Wines
1pm - 145pm: Masterclass hosted by Tamburlaine Organic Wines
2pm - 245pm: Masterclass hosted by Mount Pleasant Wines