Fine Wine Appreciation
About
Fine Wine Appreciation has been running for over 25 years in Melbourne, conducted by respected wine connoisseur Matthew Hansen. As a highly acclaimed professional chef and educator, Matthew’s personable style and passionate approach ensures all those with a love of fine wine will benefit from his unique and insightful perspectives.
Most importantly, Matthew is Melbourne’s only completely independent educator, and not affiliated with any specific wineries, wine merchant or makers – all wines featured in his courses are offered on merit alone. Fine Wine Appreciation does not accept industry favours, and does not sell wine to participants.
Official recipient of the 2012 Lord Mayor’s commendations.
Matthew Hansen
Matthew Hansen trained as an apprentice chef in Melbourne and graduated from William Angliss College in 1980. It was while working as a chef at London’s Dorchester Hotel in 1982 that Matthew developed a deep interest in wine and the importance of wine as part of a menu.
On his return to Australia, and after much study, both formal and informal, Matthew formed the ‘Tasting Circle’ at the Victorian Arts Centre in 1990 - a small and intimate group of wine appreciation enthusiasts who met weekly to discuss and enjoy fine, old and rare wines.
Matthew went on to further his study at La Trobe University, gaining his Diploma of Education in 2000, and forming ‘Fine Wine Appreciation’ in the same year. Matthew’s key objective was to offer an alternative to traditional wine education, by creating a course that was limited to only 10 participants and included a strong food component.
Some 25 years later, Matthew’s Fine Wine Appreciation course has attracted over 3,000 enrolments. Apart from his expertise both as a chef and wine connoisseur, many participants cite Matthew’s special brand of charm as key to its success, with his unique ability to engender a sparkling confidence in all attendees through his quiet, welcoming and genuinely interested manner.
In 2012 Matthew won a fellowship to study in Champagne, and was awarded the Lord Mayor’s Commendation for Outstanding Service to the City of Melbourne. In the last few years Matthew has enjoyed extending his passion abroad, touring the wine regions of France and Italy to further broaden his already extensive knowledge.
Classes/Dinners
Corporate
If you’re looking to bring people together to share a unique and memorable experience, Fine Wine Appreciation offers the chance to enjoy and discuss a selection of Australia’s finest table wines, in as informally or as structured way as you like.
We can host your event in a boardroom setting, or you can choose from some of Melbourne’s finest restaurants with whom we work.
Wherever the venue, your people will learn how to appreciate fine wine in a private and exclusive setting.
Whether a small or large group, Matthew’s quiet and assured manner immediately puts everyone at ease, ensuring everyone feels included and ready to learn everything they wanted to know about wine but were too afraid ask.
It’s a fun and fabulous way to build relations with clients, employees and prospects alike. You’ll not only be gifting your people with an unforgettable experience but they’ll come away with more knowledge about wine, and a lot more confidence when it comes to fine wine appreciation.
To find out more or discuss your requirements please contact us.
Vouchers
Our gift vouchers are a perfect gift to delight a friend or loved one with an experience they’ll not only enjoy, but remember. To purchase a gift voucher, make your selection below and follow the prompts.
Classes
- Beginners Wine Class
- For those who already enjoy drinking wine but would like to learn more.
- Advanced Wine Class
- Classes may consist of a vertical or horizontal tasting, a specific wine region or style.
Dinners / Lunches
- Wine Dinners at Scopri
- Outstanding Australian producers as well as classified wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy and Sauternes. 10 places, 10 producers and a 5 course matching menu.
- Kenzan Japanese Wine Dinners
- This is a unique offering which allows participants to explore new flavour profiles, textures and food and wine combinations. 10 places, 6 wines and 6 exquisite individually plated dishes.
Reviews
This was a complete surprise. I was expecting a “closed door” attitude where people might judge me for being a wine rookie. But even in the advanced class the instructor was gracious and patient (although the class skips along at a decent pace so DON’T drift off into a little wine dream, leave that for later, ha!) The instructor, Matthew, is that rare kind of person who shares their knowledge but also makes time to listen to everyone at the table. I was really charmed by how he made time for everyone to share their thoughts. It was a Pinot Noir night and I was lucky enough to sit next to David from the Prince Albert Winery so yeah, there’s a chance to mingle with some real rockstars of the wine industry too. A total pleasure and I’ve already booked into a February 2019 class to try some Cabernet Sauvignon. Five stars, for sure. Five freaking gold stars.
I’ve been coming to Matthew’s tutored wine tastings for years now, enjoy them greatly, always discover something new in every class. Look forward to many more. Superb wines, excellent communication, profound knowledge and experience led by a passionate expert. Highly recommend to anyone.
Matthew runs excellent classes, quite unlike anything else around. High-sensory evaluation method of smelling and tasting the bracket of wines twice - first without food then again after - is really different and revelatory. Having tasted wine for over 30 years I love going to his classes as I come away with a fresh perspective. I strongly recommend these courses to both experienced and novice wine lovers.
Matthew makes his class participants feel at ease and creates a unique environment for learning and enjoyment at the same time. His research and knowledge of both wine and food makes these classes both interesting and informative - I have learnt something new on each occasion. I have also recommended Matthew’s programs to many friends and he has assisted me with business entertainment events too. Above all, he is a gentleman, good natured and attentive to the interests of everyone in the class. Fine Wine Appreciation will meet the needs of a wide range of folks who want explore their personal interest in wine and food and have fun at the same time.
Matthew’s wine classes are a revelation to both beginners and the more experienced wine buffs! Matthew has a wealth of knowledge about wine and is ever ready to impart his knowledge in a manner which is accessible and at times humorous! And the bonus is you get to try some amazing wines, which then spurs you on to your own search for what you have discovered about wine! A great night and recommended to anyone who loves wine. You’ll love it even more after these classes or dinners!
Kenzan has been one of my favourite Melbourne restaurants for years. And I go first to Matthew’s expertise on all things oenological. This was a beautiful night that combined two things I’ve enjoyed for years. Thank you, Matthew.
Matthew’s Beginners’ Wine Class was two hours of delightful conversation, informative banter and, of course, stunning wines. Matthew is a wonderful storyteller and drew us in with his insight and knowledge. It was an evening of laughter with like-minded patrons, and we all left with a fistful of handy information. Kudos to Matthew in creating an experience, which is intimate, joyful, and an in perfect environment, presenting wines which are exquisite to experience.
Matthew I just wanted to say thank you! In all the simplicity of the word and all its complex heartfelt gratitude. The Fine Wine Appreciation Course was wonderfully inclusive and enabled our quite eclectic bunch to enjoy amazing wines, interesting company; and laugh and learn along the way. You have a wonderful ability to encourage anyone who enjoys wine to express and respond to their experience. Thanks for a great four weeks and you will be seeing me soon!
Matthew Hansen’s classes provide a lively and highly informative learning experience in beautiful surroundings, with good food, congenial company and great wines. Each participant has the opportunity to exchange opinions and engage freely in the fascinating journey of discovering the wonderful wines of Australia under the baton of Maestro Matthew!