[NSW] Warriors of Wine – Fundraising Long Lunch – SYDNEY

Warriors of Wine returns to Sydney on Sunday 31 May for a unique and interactive dining experience, bringing together three top Sydney sommeliers in a friendly yet competitive challenge.

We are delighted to announce this year’s competitors:

• Callie Crumpler (Felix)
• Sean McManus (Saint Peter)
• Zoe Brunton (Olympus Dining)

Over a three-course lunch, each ‘warrior’ will carefully select and present a wine to pair with each dish. At the end of each course, guests will rank the wine pairings using a Brownlow-style voting system:

• 3 tokens for their favourite pairing
• 2 tokens for their second choice
• 1 token for their third choice

The Sommeliers Australia committee will count the tokens at the end of each round and announce the course winner. The sommelier with the most votes overall will be crowned Warrior of Wine Sydney 2026.

Beyond the competition, this event is a critical fundraiser for Sommeliers Australia, supporting its ongoing work in the industry. The afternoon will also feature an auction and raffle, with the chance to take home exceptional wine-related goodies and hospitality experiences.

Join us at Chin Chin for an afternoon of celebrating the craft of the Sommelier, outstanding food and wine, and spirited competition – all for a great cause.

Further information:

Timing: Doors will open from 12pm for aperitifs, with lunch starting at 12:30pm which will conclude around 4pm.

Seating: Seating will be on shared tables, with seating allocated on the day.

Menu: A set three-course menu, plus a Chin Chin dessert course. Please ensure dietary requirements are made known at the time of booking.

More about this year’s Sydney Warriors:

Callie Crumpler is an American-born sommelier with over sixteen years of experience in the hospitality industry. Since relocating to Sydney in 2024, she has joined the sommelier team at Felix by Merivale, where she currently serves as Assistant Head Sommelier. She holds a CMS Certified qualification and is committed to continuously expanding her knowledge and refining her craft within the Australian wine industry.

Sean McManus is a Sydney-based sommelier, living for the rhythm of service and the theatre of a great bottle. He believes the best hospitality feels effortless—even when there’s a quiet storm behind the scenes. His approach leans toward wines with character and a story to tell, poured with intent and just the right touch of charm. Working the floor at the world-class dining room Saint Peter, Sean focuses on creating moments that feel generous, precise, and just a little indulgent. Always chasing the next great glass, he ensures no one leaves thirsty—or without a story worth sharing.

Zoe Brunton has spent her life in hospitality, becoming a sommelier at 24. She began her career at Kensington Street Social and Lotus Dining Group before joining the Bentley Group, where she rose to Head Sommelier at Monopole. During her time there, she earned Star Wine List’s Best Medium Wine List and completed her WSET Diploma. She later went on to manage Lil Sis Wine Bar at Solotel. Zoe now leads the wine program at Olympus Dining, earning Australia’s Best Listing of Greek Wines at the Wine List of the Year Awards in her first year. She also sits on the board of Women and Revolution, a charity dedicated to advancing equity throughout the wine industry.