[WA] National Benchmarking Workshop 2026 – Chardonnay

In partnership with Penfolds, Sommeliers Australia invites you to attend the inaugural National Benchmarking Workshop, beginning in Perth—an immersive tasting experience dedicated to wine at its highest level, through the lens of the world’s most iconic white grape, Chardonnay.

This exclusive workshop provides the perfect experience for driven wine professionals by inviting you to elevate your craft. Combining key elements from the Len Evans Tutorial and the Sommeliers Australia Education Scholarship, it moves beyond theory into sensory evaluation and focused, palate-driven learning.

Expect a rigorous blind tasting of 12 of the world’s greatest Chardonnays, animated discussion, and expert guidance—all with the aim of challenging your perspective, and benchmarking your tasting skills against the highest standard.

Picture a masterclass that goes the extra mile. The National Benchmarking Workshop is led by some of the most respected voices in Australian wine; Sommeliers Australia President Louella Mathews (Trippas White Group), Foni Pollitt (Mayfair Lane Pub & Dining), and Vanya Cullen (Cullen Wines).

More than education, this is about confidence, curiosity, and community. Whether you’re refining your palate, deepening your judgement, or stepping into the next chapter of your career, this is a unique opportunity to invest in yourself—supported by a network that believes deeply in the power of tasting, mentorship, and excellence.

To ensure our Perth wine community is supported through this exclusive experience—places are limited.