The Toolangi Vineyards Chardonnay 12 event took place in the Yarra Valley on June 16.

The day began with a Chardonnay masterclass for 110 people in the afternoon, with 9 Yarra Chardonnays pitted against 12 from around the world... Burgundy, New Zealand, Italy and California.

The judging/discussion panel consisted of James Halliday, Huon Hooke, Philip Rich, Bob Campbell MW and Ben Edwards, president of Sommeliers Australia was the moderator.

The chardonnays were tasted blind in 3 brackets of 7 wines and then the judging panel gave their views on the wines before they were unveiled. The Yarra chardonnays performed extremely well in all brackets.

The Toolangi Gala dinner followed in the evening. Guests were treated to a delicious meal cooked by Mathew Macartney matched with Toolangi wines and various international wines. It was a fun night with wine options games and comments from the judges on their summation of the day's events. Also an award was presented to Ann and Doug Rathbone of Yering Station for what they have done to help promote the Yarra Valley in creating such a wonderful tourist destination.

We have had some wonderful feedback with attendees already booking in for Chardonnay 14 in 2014.

Click below to see a slideshow of the Masterclass and the Gala Dinner.

Toolangi Chardonnay 12 Sommelier Dan SimsToolangi Chardonnay 12 Bracket One WinesToolangi Chardonnay 12 Masterclass participantsToolangi Chardonnay 12 Nick Stock
Toolangi Chardonnay 12 MasterclassToolangi Chardonnay 12 Masterclass Judging PanelToolangi Chardonnay 12 Philip Rich, Ben Edwards, Garry Hounsell and James HallidayToolangi Chardonnay 12 Gala Dinner
Toolangi Chardonnay 12 Gala Dinner, Kristy and Aimee having fun...Toolangi Chardonnay 12 Gala Dinner Julie and Malcolm chattingToolangi Chardonnay 12 Gala Dinner, Garry on the go again...Toolangi Chardonnay 12 Gala Dinner, Grace and Richard from The Asian Executive Magazine with Julie and Garry
Toolangi Chardonnay 12 Gala Dinner, Stan and Judy Sarris with Suzanne HallidayToolangi Chardonnay 12 Gala Dinner, Garry welcoming guestsToolangi Chardonnay 12 Gala Dinner, Doug and Ann Rathbone accepting their awardToolangi Chardonnay 12 Gala Dinner guests



Philip Rich reviews the Chardonnay 12 event. Click here to read the review:
Australian Financial Review Toolangi Chardonnay 12

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"To Garry and Julie Just a personal note to thank you both for organising Chardonnay12. Even after 35 years of enjoying wine it is difficult to grasp and comprehend the wines we enjoyed on Saturday. It takes me a day to reflect, look at my notes and think through the wines. It was without doubt a great event."

"Fantastic end of #chardonnay 12 event with a 1956 Penfolds Club Port. Thanks to @toolangiwines for putting on a great tasting."

"Thanks for today's #chardonnay12 event in the #Yarra. Confirmation 2010 is a very strong vintage especially Chardonnay!"

"Amazing day and night. Dinner was brilliant."

"A great event for the YV. Thx for an enlightening experience."

"I would like to congratulate you on the success of the Chardonnay 12 event. As a Yarra Valley producer it was fantastic to see the quality and character of our region being lauded by the collected cogniscenti present on the day. The quality of the event not only reflects wonderfully on Toolangi, but casts a warm glow across the rest of us in the Yarra - thanks for that!."