And a Wine Odyssey Christmas to you too!

As I am sure you can all guess, Christmas time is my favourite time of the year. Champagne corks pop like an African drumming group, people are feeling festive and giving, and the afternoon sun lends itself so kindly to a vino on a balcony with a friend.

Of course at this time of year we have our annual Wine Club Christmas party. Through the years our little club has grown to include many wonderful, passionate and wine enthusiastic women. With such a fabulous group in tow, there was no where else for us to head but Wine Odyssey at the Rocks.

Now, this is fabulous venue for anybody, wine lover or not. When we walked into the place which is easily located on the corner of Harrington and Argyle Streets in the rocks (diagonally opposite the Argyle Hotel), we were immediately amongst a party vibe of another groups Roman themed party. Needless to say, the fun began immediately!

Emma, Alex Mac & Stephanie

The Marketing and Events Manager, Remi Pinatel was a delight to deal with from the start. He escorted us wine club ladies up to a private function room where a table had been beautifully set, and by the windows tables lay prepared with dips and olives. It was from these tables that we were able to sip our champagne and gossip whilst overlooking the Christmas chaos on the streets of the rocks below. A most entertaining start to our evening.

Once the gaggle of geese had all arrived and were slightly champagned-up due to the speedy and efficient service, we headed to our table. Beautiful menus had been created to cater to the tastes of all ladies present and we had a choice of three entrees and three mains. Each dish had been carefully matched with a wine to bring out the flavours and we chose accordingly.

Remi was brilliant! First the wines came out and he spoke about each of the different styles and why they worked with the dishes we had ordered. Then before we became too engrossed in our wines, conversation and delicious meals, he made us play a mystery wine game. We each looked at the colour, smelled and tasted our wines. Then Remi asked us a series of questions and eliminated people along the way until we only had one winner.

It was a seriously fabulous evening spent learning, laughing and spreading Christmas cheer. We each paid $100 which we organised at the beginning of the night to avoid having to deal with the bill at the end. This included sparkling and nibbles on arrival, a substantial two course meal with matching wine, wine for our tasting game, a private room with two waiters and the personal service of the Marketing and Events Manager of this amazing wine venue. Now if that is not value I don't know what is.

This is not only a wine bar with fabulous food and brilliant wines, but it is a true experience where you can explore. Definitely on my must do Sydney wine list. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Until next time, have a glass for me. Alex Mac