International Pinot Noir Tasting returns to Perth this August

This August, pinot noir takes centre stage at Perth's State Buildings as part of Pinot Month, a month-long celebration dedicated to one of the wine world's most fascinating grape varieties. At the heart of the program is the International Pinot Noir Tasting, returning for its third year and bringing together 18 wines from five countries for an afternoon of blind tasting and expert discussion. The experience concludes with a long lunch at Post Osteria and Bar, where guests can continue exploring the many expressions of pinot noir in the company of fellow enthusiasts.

Why pinot noir?

Few grape varieties inspire the devotion that pinot noir does. Thin-skinned and notoriously particular, it demands the right site, the right conditions and meticulous attention in both vineyard and winery. Yet when all the elements align, it produces wines of remarkable nuance, elegance and depth.

The International Pinot Noir Tasting is dedicated entirely to exploring those expressions. Guests will taste 18 wines presented blind across three brackets of six, representing producers from Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany and the US. Each wine will be revealed and discussed by an expert panel, encouraging guests to compare styles, regions and winemaking approaches without the influence of labels or reputation.

Get to know the expert tasting panel

Philip Rich, a member of the Halliday Tasting Team and Len Evans Tutor, brings more than 25 years of experience across wine education, judging, retail and writing. He has chaired some of Australia's leading wine shows, including the Australian Pinot Noir Challenge, the Yarra Valley Wine Show and the Margaret River Wine Show.

Joining Philip is Erin Larkin, wine writer, presenter and reviewer for Robert Parker Wine Advocate. Formerly a member of the Halliday Tasting Team, Erin has become one of Australia's most influential wine communicators and an internationally recognised authority on Australian wine.

Completing the panel is Julian Grounds, director of viticulture and winemaking at Stonier Vineyards. Julian has worked in Burgundy, Central Otago and Oregon, held senior winemaking roles at Giant Steps, McHenry Hohnen and Craggy Range, and was named Dux of the Len Evans Tutorial.

Choose your experience

The day begins in the historic Postal Hall at State Buildings from 11am to 1pm, where guests will participate in a blind tasting and panel discussion featuring all 18 pinot noirs. For those looking to focus solely on the wines, the Tasting Only ticket ($495pp) includes access to the complete tasting and expert-led panel discussion.

Guests seeking the full experience can opt for the Tasting and Lunch ticket ($795pp), which includes both the tasting and a long lunch at Post Osteria and Bar from 1pm to 4pm. The menu has been designed to complement the afternoon's wines, featuring dishes such as duck liver parfait with cherry mostarda and a confit duck leg served with pinot noir jus, before concluding with a selection of artisan cheeses and dessert. Pinot wines will continue to flow throughout the lunch, providing further opportunity to compare styles and continue the discussion.

Event details

International Pinot Noir Tasting
Date: Saturday 29 August 2026
Venue: Postal Hall, State Buildings, Perth
Tasting: 11am–1pm
Long lunch: 1pm–4pm

Tickets

Guests can choose between two ticket options:

Tasting only – $495 per person
Includes access to the complete blind tasting and panel discussion.

Tasting and lunch – $795 per person
Includes the tasting, panel discussion and long lunch at Post Osteria and Bar.

Book your tickets now at State Buildings | International Pinot Noir Tasting