By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Sun, sea breezes and serious sip-worthy wines! From September 29 to October 13, Chablis Week will invite beach and bubble lovers alike to explore the magic of France’s iconic white wines across 16 of Merivale’s most iconic Sydney venues.
Think oysters glistening on the half shell, sunlit terraces and the kind of wine that makes even Monday feel like a weekend.
However, the week is about more than just basic whites. Chablis is a wine that embodies precision and purity, a reflection of its terroir and centuries of winemaking know-how. With six renowned producers leading the line - Famille Grossot, William Fevre, Domaine Antoine et Laura Robin, Julien Brocard, Domaine du Colombier and Prieure Saint-Come - Sydney diners have a rare chance to taste a spectrum of styles without ever leaving the city.
Photo credit: Copyright Olivier Truyman BIVB.
At its heart, Chablis Week celebrates the classic pairing that’s kept Sommeliers busy for centuries: oysters and Chablis. From the zesty, fresh Petit Chablis to the elegant Chablis with a little more depth and the richly complex Chablis Premier Cru, each sip is a journey through Northern Bourgogne’s famed Kimmeridgian soils.
The wines’ bright acidity and flinty minerality make them perfect companions for six or 12 fresh oysters, but adventurous palates will find plenty of other pairings too. Sashimi, creamy cheese, delicate vegetables or even poultry all find a surprising harmony with these French treasures.
Merivale’s participating venues each bring their own personality to the week. Take Bert’s Bar and Brasserie in Newport, where Art Deco glamour meets coastal charm. Against coral pinks and rattan textures, guests can indulge in six oysters with Petit Chablis, William Fevre ($95) or step it up to a Chablis Premier Cru, Vau de Vey, Julien Brocard ($190) with a dozen oysters for the full decadent experience.
Photo credit: Copyright Olivier Truyman BIVB.
Mimi’s in Coogee combines sun-soaked Mediterranean vibes with a curated trio of Chablis wines, while Sushi E in the CBD lets you watch culinary mastery unfold at the marble counter as you sip a crisp Petit Chablis from Domaine Antoine et Laura Robin ($95 with six oysters).
For those chasing big flavours with a side of casual fun, Mumu in the CBD pairs Dan Hong’s Southeast Asian street-food-inspired menu with refreshing Chablis and The Surf Deck at Collaroy elevates beachside dining with ocean views and chilled Petit Chablis ($90) alongside your oysters.
Hidden gems like Ash Street Cellar, Queen Chow Enmore and The Paddington offer intimate, laneway-style experiences that let you linger over your Chablis, letting the wines’ subtle nuances shine with small plates and fresh seafood.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply curious about this legendary French white, Chablis Week is a celebration of flavour, elegance and the joy of discovery. With wines ranging from $90 to $190 depending on your oyster count and choice of appellation, it’s a deliciously accessible way to explore one of France’s most prestigious regions without hopping on a plane.
Photo credit: Copyright Olivier Truyman BIVB.
So, whether you’re slurping oysters by the ocean, sipping on a Premier Cru in a plush CBD venue, or simply hunting for a new wine obsession, Chablis Week is your passport to discovery.
