Australia’s biggest wine show, Wine Australia, opens to the public today at Darling Harbour in Sydney.

The show will feature more than 425 wineries, 50 other wine or tourism associated exhibitors, 48 regions, 42 grape varieties—from Alicante Bouchet to Zinfandel—and 3,800-plus wines for tasting.

There are also a number of educational opportunities at the show in the Wolf Blass Foundation theatre.

In 'The Lab' chef Jamie Oliver's wine buddy, Matt Skinner, will run fun sessions with names like 'Wine and Frocks that Rock', 'Pretty in Pink' and 'Down Mexico Way'.

There is more serious stuff in The Cellar where wine writers, Huon Hooke and Peter Bourne will feature young, old and rare wines in specialised tastings.

Regional food and tourism will also feature in some of the education sessions.

It has full schedules of education theatres, associated events and ticket sales for entry and information on the Wolf Blass education theatres.

The McWilliam’s Academy of Wine will host free, specially tailored masterclasses for trade members on Monday 29 November—which is the show’s scheduled ‘Trade Day’.

McWilliam’s said trade members would benefit from the structured seminars which will be presented by experienced winemakers and educators.

McWilliam’s Wines CEO Kevin McLintock said it would be the first time trade would have free access to the teaching resources of the group’s wine academy, which is a registered training organisation.

Until now, the resources have only been available to McWilliam’s staff.

The seminars will also include material that will form part of the accredited courses offered to trade in the future.

McWilliam’s will offer three seminars including the Riedel Food and Wine Experience (Monday 29 November 11.30am-12.15am) which will feature a wine from each of the McWilliam’s premium brands (served in Riedel glasses) with chef Peter Howard demonstrating which foods complement the different styles of wines.

The other seminars include a look at Semillon from the Hunter Valley and Shiraz from around Australia.

Places are strictly limited and bookings, which can be placed at the McWilliam’s stand (hall 1, stand 153) during Wine Australia (25-29 November). The seminars are free.

Wine Australia runs from 26-28 November. Trade day (admission $16.50) is 29 November, 10am-6pm; general admission is $22.

Visit the show website at http://wineaustralia2004.com.au.