Discover Australia's alternative varieties with Emma Symington MW

Contact us

If you have any queries about this event, please call our Student Services team on 020 7089 3841 or email studentservicesteam@wsetglobal.com

Join Master of Wine Emma Symington as she explores the lesser-known grape varieties that many believe may be the future of Australian wine.

Event details

While Australia is most frequently associated with grape varieties like Shiraz and Chardonnay, the country is home to over 130 different grape varieties. A culture of experimentation paired with the need to adapt to a changing climate has encouraged Australian winemakers to look far and wide for vines that can produce quality wines and meet changing consumer demands.

Join Emma Symington MW as she takes you on a tour of some of Australia’s up-and-coming grapes from staples of the Mediterranean like Fiano, Nero d’Avola and Sangiovese, to brand new varieties being designed to thrive in some of Australia's most particular climates.

Guests will enjoy the wines alongside a selection of cheese and charcuterie from Borough Market.


Example wine list

  • Tim Wildman 'Astro Bunny'
  • Jim Barry Assyrtiko, Clare Valley
  • Handhorf Hill Gruner Veltliner, Adelaide Hills
  • Thistledown 'Gorgeous' Grenache Blanc, Riverland
  • MMAD Chenin Blanc, Blewitt Springs
  • Break Free 'Nouveau' Cabernet Franc, Margaret River
  • Pizzini 'Nonna Gisella' Sangiovese, King Valley
  • Luke Lambert Nebbiolo, Yarra Valley

Tasting level

Intermediate: An in-depth exploration of a particular topic. Some prior knowledge is beneficial – such as a WSET Level 2 qualification – but these sessions will be enjoyable and educational for anyone with an interest in the subject.

About the presenter, Emma Symington MW

Emma Symington MW

Emma has worked in the wine trade for the past 15 years in a variety of roles, including buying and selling wine, and even working a vintage in New Zealand. She is now Education Development Manager for Wine Australia's EMEA region, based in their London office, where she organises and hosts a series of tastings, seminars and masterclasses to help increase enthusiasm in and knowledge of Australia’s wines and wine regions.

After winning the Vintners' Cup and Vintners' Scholarship for the top WSET Level 4 Award in Wines Diploma graduates in 2011, Emma embarked on the Master of Wine course, becoming an MW in 2015. A WSET-certified educator, Emma judges at several international wine competitions and also writes for the Wine Monkeys blog, for which she won the Emerging Wine Writer category in the 2014 Louis Roederer Awards.

Emma also regularly hosts webinars on Australian wine which are available to watch on our YouTube channel.


Booking terms and conditions

Payment in full must be made at the time of booking and places are not confirmed until payment has been received. Unfortunately we cannot take provisional bookings.

Cancellations and transfers

  • Cancellations and transfers can be made up to two weeks before the event.
  • Cancellations within 10 working days are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another event.
  • If you need to change a name on the booking, please give us as much notice as possible.
  • WSET School London reserves the right to cancel an event. If necessary, a full refund or transfer will be offered.

Please note: The sample list and speaker/s may be subject to change.

Contact us

If you have any queries about this event, please call our Student Services team on 020 7089 3841 or email studentservicesteam@wsetglobal.com