The Champagne Foundations Course, presented by Sara Underdown, is an inspiring introduction to the most revered sparkling wine in the world. Drawing on 15 years of expertise in the Champagne region—travelling, writing, educating, and presenting—Sara brings deep insight and authenticity to your experience.  

You will begin with the landscape of Champagne itself: its terroir, climate, and the strict appellation laws that safeguard its integrity. From here, you will be introduced to the three noble grape varieties—Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier—and the roles they play in shaping Champagne’s diversity. Sara then unpacks the intricacies of the méthode champenoise, guiding learners through blending, lees aging, riddling, disgorgement, and dosage with clarity and precision.

You will also explore Champagne’s many styles, from non‑vintage blends to prestige cuvées, and discover how sweetness levels influence food pairing.

On conclusion, enjoy a beautiful gourmet BBQ dinner on the Aurora Skydeck overlooking the Adelaide CBD.

What to expect

Through guided tastings, you will be empowered to:

• taste with confidence
• develop your vocabulary
• appreciate styles

Topic overview

 The Champagne Region

• Geography: location, climate, terroir
• Key grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier
• Appellation rules and regulations (AOC)

 Production Process

• Traditional method (Méthode Champenoise) explained step by step
• Importance of time and craftsmanship

 Styles of Champagne

• Non-Vintage vs. Vintage
• Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs
• Rosé Champagne
• Prestige Cuvées
• Sweetness levels

 Tasting Techniques

• How to properly open and serve champagne
• Glassware choices (flute vs. tulip vs. white wine glass)
• Structured analysis
• Building a champagne vocabulary

 Champagne Houses, Cooperatives and Growers

• Introduction to major houses
• Rise of grower champagnes and their philosophy
• How branding and storytelling shape perception

Hands-On Tasting

• Guided tasting of champagnes across styles
• Comparative notes and discussion

 Champagne’s Future

• Modern trends (sustainability, biodynamics, low-dosage styles)

Details 

Saturday, 22 August 2026

BIBO Wine Bar

7 Bay Street, Double Bay, Sydney

10am - 1pm // Masterclass

1pm - 3pm // Gourmet shared menu prepared by BIBO