Spoiler Alert! Inside Wine Wars Round 3

With just over a week to go until Wine Wars III: Round 3, it felt like the perfect time to give you the inside scoop on what’s in store. As always, our vendors joined us in advance to sample the menu and begin the pairing process. If you’ve already secured tickets to this coveted event and want the evening to remain a surprise: this is your cue to stop reading! For those who enjoy skipping to the end of the movie, or are simply curious about Wine Wars… welcome.

How it works:

Three wine vendors go head-to-head by pairing their best selections with each course of a specially curated meal. Guests receive a 2oz pour from each vendor per course and cast their vote for the best pairing.

At the end of the evening, the vendor with the most votes earns a spot in our Final Battle.

Get To Know The Vendors:

Troy has a WSET Level 2 and is representing Mark Anthony Wine + Spirits. This is their first time at Wine Wars and we’re exited to see what they bring to the table! He’s accompanied by Pawel who recently joined the company.

Ashley, with an WSET Level 3, is returning to Wine Wars with Pacific Wine + Spirits.

Last but certainly not least is Misun, with an ISG, and she’s returning to represent Dream Wines Corp. Unfortunately Misun couldn’t make it to the tasting, so you’ll have to catch up with her at the event.

My first question was if they go through a process when choosing wine pairings

Troy’s answer came as a surprise. He explained that he didn’t like the concept of wine pairing: “It’s all preference. There’s no right answer. Some people like white wine with beef, or red wines with fish.”

Pawel: “I like to try the food first.” If it’s in a setting where he’s helping out a guest, he’ll ask them what they like and go from there.

Ashley also took a similar approach “It truly is what peoples preferences are.” She explained that the hardest part is taking your knowledge out of it. She recognizes that not everyone has formal wine training, and keeps that in mind when creating approachable, enjoyable pairings.

I also asked whether their selections tend to come from one region or a variety.

Ashley: “I try to do different areas”

Troy: “Different countries. I can’t do all the same [country] because it’s difficult to stay in the budget.”

As a returning competitor, I asked Ashley what her favourite part of Wine Wars is.

“I think for me it’s challenging myself to do a fun pairing, and to think outside the box. This time I want to have more fun with it and not think too much about it, but I think for wine nerds it’s the ultimate dream. The fact that we get to try the menu ahead of time, and it’s such amazing food.” She laughed then added “we get to nerd out”

For Troy and Pawel I asked what they’re looking forward to the most.

Troy: “I like the people aspect of it. I’m a bit obnoxious and flamboyant, so the whole interaction and showmanship is the most fun, and just talking to people who want to talk about wine — people who are generally interested. They’re asking questions, they want to know about it, they want to hear the stories. Talking to people at the table is the most enjoyable part.”

Pawel: “I agree with that, and with what Ashley said as well: just having fun with it. Wine is one of those things that not everybody will agree with, and not everyone knows everything about it , so there’ll always be disagreements with it. I think just explaining why you chose something, what your vision was, and why it makes sense to you.

Troy: “Just making wine less pretentious”

Ashley: “Yes, exactly”

The Big Question: What makes you think you’ll win.

Troy: “Confidence. I don’t know if we’ll win but we’ll have fun trying, and we’ll believe in ourselves”

Ashley: “I’m not [going to win]”

My final question was what their favourite wine is.

Ashley: “Viognier. I gravitate towards wine you can drink without food. The best wine is the wine you like the most”

Pawel: “The one in my glass”

And there you have it! Wine Wars III: Round 3 is shaping up to be an unforgettable evening. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply in it for the experience, one thing is certain: your vote will help decide who advances to the Final Battle. We’ll see you there!