Home » Sparkling wines & oysters: our unforgettable tasting at Printhie Wines

Sparkling wines & oysters: our unforgettable tasting at Printhie Wines

Anyone who knows me a little knows that I am a huge fan of wine and food pairings. Especially when it comes to sushi and sashimi. The right wine takes a dish to a whole new level. A glass of good sparkling wine does this like no other. It brings freshness, excitement, and balance. Exactly what you are looking for with pure flavors.

That’s why I’ve written extensively about the best wine to accompany sushi. Oysters fit perfectly into that same category. They are pure, salty, and demand finesse. Sparkling wines and oysters? To me, that makes perfect sense. And irresistible. That’s for sure!

How we ended up at Printhie Wines

Some discoveries begin with a glass of fine wine. This one began with a tip from an Australian. During my search for special culinary experiences in Australia, I came across a recommendation via my own article about unique sushi, restaurant, and wine experiences in Australia. And this experience sounded like music to our ears: a sparkling wine and oyster tasting in a relatively unknown wine region in Australia! Four sparkling wines, each accompanied by an oyster. What an experience that would be.

That’s why the name Printhie Wines stuck with me right away. A winery with award-winning sparkling wines. High-altitude vineyards. And a kitchen that dares. Really dares. That sounded like something we had to experience. So Corinne and I decided to head for Orange, New South Wales. Not yet as well known as, say, the Hunter Valley or McLaren Vale, but an area that is set to make a huge impact on the (wine) map over the next 10 years. Take my word for it.

The unique location of Printhie Wines

Printhie Wines is located just outside Orange, in a beautiful landscape full of peace and space. What makes this place truly unique is its altitude. At around 1,000 meters above sea level, Printhie is one of Australia’s highest vineyards.

The climate here is cool, with warm days and cool nights. This produces grapes with tension and elegance. The wines are fresh, precise, and layered. And while you sit there, you look out over the vineyards. That view alone is an experience in itself. Truly beautiful. We couldn’t believe our eyes.

Printhies sparkling wines

Printhie is renowned for its sparkling wines, and rightly so. Their Vintage Sparkling has won multiple awards. However, awards only tell part of the story.

What stands out most is the style. Everything is in balance. Beautiful acidity, fine mousse, and lots of depth. These are wines that don’t scream, but convince. Perfect for food pairing. Especially with oysters.

First tasting: Brut with Sydney Rock Oyster

We were warmly welcomed and perfectly guided by Sofiane. From the very first moment, everything felt relaxed and personal. He immediately took us into the kitchen to show us the Sydney Rock Oysters and introduced us to the chefs. That glimpse behind the scenes made it extra special.

The tasting began with a Brut sparkling wine and a pure oyster. No additions. Just the essence. The combination was spot on. Fresh, salty, and lively. The bubbles cut nicely through the creamy character of the oyster. A classic start that immediately set the tone.

Second tasting: Sparkling Rosé with Banksia & bay leaf oil

Next came the Sparkling Rosé, paired with an oyster with Banksia and bay leaf oil.
This was exciting and refined at the same time. The rosé was crisp and dry. That’s exactly why it worked perfectly with the oily texture of the oyster. The herbs added depth without overpowering. Everything remained in balance. You could taste the craftsmanship here. Our eyes began to sparkle with joy. YES! This is really delicious!

Third tasting (our favorite): Vintage Sparkling with pickled magnolia flower

The third combination became our favorite. The Vintage Sparkling, paired with an oyster with a vinaigrette made from home-picked and pickled magnolia flowers.

This was magic. Pure magic. The floral notes, fresh acidity, and complexity of the wine came together beautifully. Every bite called for a sip. And every sip made the dish better. I secretly envied the gentlemen in the kitchen who had created this, because it was truly of the highest caliber.

It’s no surprise that this vintage sparkling wine has won numerous awards. It’s seriously better than many champagnes I’ve tasted (of course, I took a bottle home with me).

Fourth tasting: Blanc de Noir with homemade ponzu

The finale was the Blanc de Noir, served with homemade ponzu. As a sushi chef, I couldn’t ignore this. The ponzu was so good that I immediately asked for the recipe. Umami, freshness, and depth came together perfectly. The Blanc de Noir held its own effortlessly and enhanced the dish. A pairing to remember.

Who will love this Sparkling & Oysters tasting?

This tasting is perfect for wine lovers who want more than just a tasting. For foodies who love finesse. For people who are curious about cool-climate wines. And for anyone who wants to experience oysters at a higher level. Even if you think sparkling wine is “not your thing,” you’ll be surprised here. This is such a fun and interesting experience!

Conclusion: five stars, without a doubt

The sparkling wine and oyster tasting at Printhie Wines was simply amazing. The delicious wines, the exceptional oysters, the beautiful location, and especially Sofiane’s guidance made this a complete experience.

Chefs Tristan Abbott, Richard Edward, and Summit Ra have created something special together with the winemakers. This is not your standard tasting. It is a culinary experience that you will want to indulge in with all your heart. We found it incredibly enjoyable, educational, and extremely delicious.

Our assessment? Five stars. Absolutely. Don’t hesitate, book it!

Hi, I'm Rik!

Sushi chef and founder of the School of Sushi. Making your own sushi is easier and more fun than you think! Through workshops and online courses, I’ll show you how to roll delicious sushi for your friends & family. Ready to roll?