Overview
Do you pick the wine when you're out at dinner? Do your friends turn to you, hoping you'll indulge in a little "wine waffle" with the sommelier? Or do you avoid eye contact the moment the wine list lands, because dry, oaky, sweet, and buttery are the only words in your wine vocab?
Wine can be divisive, and there's a lot to learn. But who said getting into it has to be intimidating? You never know which bottle might become your new go-to. One hot contender? Chablis.
Yes, Chablis is a Chardonnay — but it's a far cry from the daggy 90s cask wines many of us grew up avoiding. In fact, it's one of the purest expressions of the grape. Grown exclusively in the cool-climate region of Bourgogne, France, Chablis is lean, mineral-driven and famously crisp. It skips the heavy oak and creamy texture many people associate with Chardonnay, delivering instead bright acidity, flinty character, and elegant freshness.
Olivier Truyman for BIVB
Produced across several appellations — Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru, and Chablis Grand Cru — each style is shaped by ancient Kimmeridgian or Portlandian limestone soils and a cool climate that gives the wine its signature structure and finesse.
To help you get acquainted, the Bourgogne Wine Board has partnered with Merivale to launch Chablis Week this spring. From Monday, September, 29 - Monday, October, 13, a curated lineup of Merivale's top Sydney restaurants — including mimi's in Coogee and Bert's in Newport — will be serving special Chablis and oyster pairings designed to show off just how well this French classic plays with Australia's best coastal produce.
Here's where to sip, slurp and celebrate this spring.
Bert's Bar and Brasserie, Newport
Drawing inspiration from the opulent 1930s, Bert's Bar and Brasserie in Newport is the perfect place to celebrate that special milestone or simply indulge in some of Sydney's finest seaside dining. Awash with coral pink, resort-style rattan, and jade green, it's an idyllic setting to treat yourself to the freshest seafood.
Celebrate seaside at Bert's with three Chablis picks: Petit Chablis, William FEVRE ($95), Chablis, Famille GROSSOT ($110), or Chablis Premier Cru Vau de Vey, Julien BROCARD served with oysters ($190).
Steven Woodburn
mimi's, Coogee
Renowned for its caviar bumps and impressive Chablis selection, mimi's is one of those Sydney institutions you need to dine in at least once. Blurring the lines between inside and out with grand arch windows and sweeping coastal views, it's a sophisticated slice of Sydney serving meticulously prepared Mediterranean plates.
Mimi's is pouring three standout Chablis options this spring—from Petit Chablis to Chablis Premier Cru Vau de Vey, Julien BROCARD—each perfectly paired with oysters (from $95).
Fred's, Paddington
Hatted rustic farm-to-table restaurant, Fred's, needs no introduction. Bringing the charm of a Tuscan country homestead to Paddington, you can dine in the glorious open kitchen and watch on as the team lovingly prepare a seasonal, sustainably-driven menu.
At Fred's, enjoy a bottle of Petit Chablis, Domaine Antoine et Laura ROBIN ($95), Chablis, William FEVRE ($110), or Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons, Domaine Antoine et Laura ROBIN ($190) — each served with oysters.
Mr. Wong, Sydney CBD
Dim moody lighting and cosy nooks bring an intimacy to this expansive, 1930s Shanghai-inspired establishment. Revered for his fresh and inventive take on authentic Cantonese dining, executive chef Dan Hong delivers a larger-than-life, gourmet affair that's vibrant and spicy.
Mr. Wong is pouring the same elegant trio as Fred's: Petit Chablis, Domaine Antoine et Laura ROBIN ($95), Chablis, William FEVRE ($110), and Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons, Domaine Antoine et Laura ROBIN ($190), paired with oysters.
sushi e, Sydney CBD
A jewel in Sydney's Japanese fine-dining crown, it's no wonder sushi e has stood the test of time since launching over two decades ago in 2000. Pull up a chair at the sleek marble bar and treat yourself to the front-row view of the blowtorch-wielding chefs.
Pair your sashimi with Petit Chablis, Domaine Antoine et Laura ROBIN ($95), Chablis, William FEVRE ($110), or Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons, Domaine Antoine et Laura ROBIN ($190), each served with oysters.
MuMu, Sydney CBD
The brainchild of Sydney's culinary treasure Dan Hong, MuMu is the cheeky younger sibling to Ms G's — and it brings a riotous flavour to the city's late-night dining scene. Loud, irreverent and wild, MuMu turns Asian fusion on its head with punchy, street food-style plates inspired by the hawker stalls of southeast Asia. It's the ultimate pit stop before the party kicks off, or on your way home from one.
At MuMu, enjoy a bottle of Petit Chablis, PRIEURÉ SAINT-CÔME with oysters for $90, or Chablis, Famille GROSSOT for $110.
Ash St. Cellar, Sydney CBD
Looking for a low-key post-work bite with modern European flair? Ash St. Cellar is a fail-proof spot. Tucked away in a laneway behind The Ivy, you can expect a relaxed atmosphere with intimate bistrot seating, moreish tapas, and a sophisticated European wine selection.
Ash St. Cellar is offering Petit Chablis, Domaine du COLOMBIER ($90) or Chablis, Domaine Antoine et Laura ROBIN ($110), both paired with oysters.
The Newport, Newport
An epicurean destination in itself, The Newport is an expansive, multilevel waterfront eatery where you and your family can choose your own culinary adventure. From classic schnitzels and burgers from the Kiosk and cheesy, woodfired pizza from Vinnie's to fresh seafood platters from the Seafood Market, there's so much to explore in this Northern Beaches favourite.
This spring, enjoy a bottle of Petit Chablis, Domaine du COLOMBIER ($90) or Chablis, Domaine Antoine et Laura ROBIN ($110), served with oysters at The Newport.
The Paddington, Paddington
Equal parts pub, restaurant and bar, The Paddington is a trusted favourite among locals, ready to match any vibe you and your crew might be seeking on a night out. Dedicated to custom-made rotisserie-style meats and modern Australian share plates, it promises a delightfully relaxed yet delicious feast and boasts a flavoursome late-night menu that kicks off at 10pm.
The Paddington is serving Petit Chablis, Domaine du COLOMBIER ($90) and Chablis, Domaine Antoine et Laura ROBIN ($110), paired with oysters.
Queen Chow, Enmore
Inspired by the street food of Hong Kong, Queen Chow in Enmore, is revered for its fresh and fun approach to Cantonese dining. Queen Chow is an Inner West establishment that has been kicking for nearly a decade and is a go-to for dumplings and the classic Cantonese dishes you crave. Think saucy barbecue duck and crispy salt and pepper squid.
At Queen Chow, you can sip Petit Chablis, Domaine du COLOMBIER ($90) or Chablis, Domaine Antoine et Laura ROBIN ($110) with half a dozen oysters.
The Surf Deck, Collaroy
No matter the time of year, it always feels like summer at The Surf Deck. Located smack-bang on Collaroy Beach, you can savour a casual seafood-driven menu post swim while soaking up unobstructed, sparkling views of the sets rolling in across the peninsula.
The Surf Deck's spring Chablis pairing includes Petit Chablis, Domaine du COLOMBIER ($90) and Chablis, Domaine Antoine et Laura ROBIN ($110), both with oysters.
Whether you're new to Chablis or looking to refine your palate with one of the most delicious pairings wine can offer, Chablis Week is an ideal way to learn while enjoying one of France's most elegant white wines. From Coogee to Newport, click here for the best restaurants to raise a glass this spring.