The Grand Tasting
The Margaret River Region's most celebrated wineries come together for one extraordinary Garden Party
Howard Park Wines
Set on the sweeping lawns beyond the vines of Howard Park Wines, The Grand Tasting is the signature event of Pair'd, bringing together an unrivalled line-up of wine producers for four hours of tasting, purchasing by the bottle, conversation, and discovery. From founding wineries to pioneering estates, explore the incredible depth of Margaret River wine in a single afternoon, all enjoyed with festival dishes, imagine live grilled skewers, curated by culinary legends Matt Moran and Aaron Carr.
Setting the tone early are live jazz sessions from Howie Morgan & Nathan Gaunt on Saturday and the Mark Turner Trio on Sunday, building up to an afternoon finale headlined by ARIA Award-winner Isabella Manfredi (The Preatures).
Between wines, browse local food producer stalls or hit the Oyster Bar for freshly shucked Leeuwin Coast Albany Rock Oysters, served with Aria Restaurant-inspired mignonette and a chilled glass of Howard Park Jeté.
Over at the Perfect Pair’d Stage, the conversation loosens up with our host Louella Mathews (President Sommelier of Australia). Catch her sessions with legendary Austrian electronic duo Kruder & Dorfmeister talking about their lives as winemakers, their craft, and their favourite local drops.
For those looking to delve deeper, the 45-minute Museum Masterclass sessions in the Wine Chapel offer access to rare back-vintage wines and intimate tastings led by acclaimed wine writers Erin Larkin and Nick Ryan.
Palate cleansers come courtesy of complimentary VOSS still and sparkling water, flowing all day.
• Masterclass #1: Margaret River Chardonnay: The Undisputed (12pm - 12:45pm)
What makes it so great? The predominance of the Gingin clone, the groupthink, the unique vineyard positioning, and the future.
• Masterclass #2: Cellaring White Wines 101 (1:15pm - 2:00pm)
Examining the age-worthiness of Margaret River Whites. How to, why to, what to, what not to.
• Masterclass #3: What is The Future of Margaret River (2:30pm - 3:15pm)
To ask the irreverent questions is sometimes to get to the heart of it. In this tasting, we look at some of the alternate varieties of Margaret River and ask 'Is There Space up the Front'?
• Masterclass #1: Your Future Collection (12:00pm - 12:45pm)
Five Winemakers from Five Great Houses, and Their Top Tips for Cellaring and 'How to Pick Them'.
• Masterclass #2: Cellaring Red Wines 101 (1:15pm - 2:00pm)
Not all wines are created equal. Examining the age-worthiness of Margaret River reds. How to, why to, what to, what not to.
• Masterclass #3: What Is It About Margaret River Cabernet That Wins ALL The Shows? (2:30pm - 3:15pm)
What Is It About Margaret River Cabernet That Wins ALL The Shows?
Event Details
$169 per person (booking fees included)
•Unlimited Wine Tastings from the Wineries with the option to buy by the glass/bottle
• Rare Museum Wine tastings available at an additional cost
• Unlimited festival dishes curated by Chefs Matt Moran and Aaron Carr
• Complimentary VOSS Water
• Live music performances from Jazz Bands & Isabella Manfredi
• Free-to attend Perfect Pair'd and Around The Barrell sessions
• Leeuwin Coast Oysters & Jete available for additional purchase
+$45 add-on for Museum Tasting Masterclass hosted by Erin Larkin & Nick Ryan
Please note that ticket purchases for this event are limited to a maximum of 20 per booking.
11:30am - 3:30pm on Saturday, 21 November & Sunday, 22 November
This menu can accommodate gluten free, dairy free and vegetarian guests. Please share any dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Pair'd Bust transport is available for this event as a ticket add-on. Guests wishing to utilise the service must book bus tickets by 5th November 2026.
Limited parking is available on site.
18+ Event.
Most areas of the event are accessible, and accessible bathrooms are available on site. However, please note that some outdoor sections may include uneven surfaces.
Accessibility is managed on a case-by-case basis to ensure every patron receives personalised attention.
If you have accessibility requirements, need assistance, or have specific parking needs, please contact us at least 14 days before the event so we can ensure your personal needs are met.
Planning to add to your wine collection? Wine stallholders offer shipping, allowing you to have your purchases delivered directly to your door. Shipping rates apply.
Garden party attire. Flat footwear advised due to event being held on lawn.
Pairs With:
WITH THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
PROUDLY OWNED BY
MAJOR PARTNERS
ASSOCIATE PARTNERS
We firmly acknowledge the deep-rooted connection and custodianship of the Wadandi (Saltwater) People over the lands in the South West of Western Australia. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present, and emerging, and commit to learning from their rich heritage and wisdom.
