The Champagne Course: Beyond the Basics, presented by Sara Underdown, is designed for champagne lovers who want to dive deeper with their appreciation.

In this relaxed class environment, we will explore terroir, styles and develop an advanced tasting calibration. Drawing on 15 years of expertise in the Champagne region—travelling, writing, educating, and presenting—Sara brings deep insight and authenticity to your experience.

What to expect

Go from appreciation to connoisseur.

Topic overview

Deep Dive into Terroir

• Sub-regional distinctions: Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, Côte des Blancs, Côte des Bar
• Soil composition—impact on minerality and texture
• Vineyard-specific case studies 
• Influence of microclimate and viticultural philosophy

Viticulture & Innovation

• Biodynamic and regenerative approaches
• Climate change adaptation

Winemaking Mastery

• Oxidative vs. reductive styles
• Oak fermentation and maturation: barrels, foudres, demi-muids
• Solera systems and perpetual reserves
• Dosage philosophy: stylistic minimalism vs. traditional richness

Rare Expressions

• Comparative tasting analysis 
• Single-vineyard and micro-terroir Champagnes
• Experimental cuvées: zero dosage, extended aging, atypical blends
  

Advanced Tasting Calibration

• Blind tasting of champagnes 
• Identifying oxidative vs. reductive signatures
• Distinguishing autolytic complexity from terroir-driven minerality
• Structured tasting note development with precision vocabulary

Details

Sunday, 19 July 2026

Hotel Alba

226 South Terrace, Adelaide

10am - 1pm // Masterclass

1pm - 3pm // Lunch - enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired menu designed for sharing (dietaries can be accommodated) with champagne:

Marinated olives // Grilled flatbread and dip // Artisan burrata // Spinach and ricotta cannelloni // Moroccan lamb backstrap // Orange fennel salad // Charred sweet corn // Duck fat potatoes // Tiramisu