For a fortnight from Monday, 16 Merivale venues in Sydney will celebrate Chablis Week, pairing French Chablis wine with Australian oysters. From 29 September to 13 October 2025, via this timeless pairing, Merivale invites you to experience the versatility of these iconic wines from the French Chablis region.
Across 16 of its venues, Merivale propose a choice between six or twelve complimentary oysters, perfectly paired with hand-selected bottles of Chablis wines, showcasing the vibrant minerality, purity, and precision that Chablis is known for.
What is Chablis?
Chablis is one of the most celebrated wine regions in France, located in the northernmost part of Bourgogne. More specifically, it’s about 16 km east of Auxerre in the Yonne department situation between the Côte d’Or and Paris. It comprises 25 communes along the Serein river and spreads over 15 x 9km.
Producing still wines exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, Chablis has several appellations: Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru, and Chablis Grand Cru. These cool climate wines are higher in acidity and less fruity than their warmer climate cousins. Jancis Robinson calls Chablis one of the “purest” expressions of the varietal character of Chardonnay.
Shaped by the unique Kimmeridgian subsoils and cool climate of northern Bourgogne, Chablis offers a world of possibilities in every glass. From the lively, zesty freshness of Petit Chablis perfect for casual sipping to the refined balance of Chablis, known for its finesse and minerality, and the depth and complexity of Chablis Premier Cru, Chablis Week opens the door to bold new food pairings: think delicate sashimi, fresh vegetables, creamy cheeses, or poultry. Each sip reveals a new layer of flavour.
How long has Chablis existed?
Pontigny Abbey’s Cistercians monks planted vines along the Serein. Anséric de Montréal gave a vineyard to the Abbey in 1186.
Popularity of Chablis in Australia
In 2024, Australia became the 10th largest market for Chablis, with over half a million bottles enjoyed nationally.
The Chablis Week wine producers
Over this fortnight, Merivale will showcase six acclaimed wine producers:
- Famille Grossot,
- William Fevre ,
- Domaine Antoine et Laura Robin,
- Julien Brocard,
- Domaine du Colombier, and
- Prieure Saint-Côme.
The Chablis Week experience
From coastal views to city laneways, each of the 16 Merivale venues participating in Chablis Week will present their own spin on the Chablis and oyster experience. Whether you’re in the mood for a refined long lunch or a lively late-night snack, there’s a perfect pairing waiting to be discovered.
Chablis, the Taste of Australian Living
Refined yet relaxed, Chablis is a natural fit for the Australian way of life. From long lunches and late-night bites to post-swim celebrations, Chablis lends a touch of sophistication to any moment. This partnership with Merivale, one of Australia’s most dynamic hospitality groups, highlights a shared commitment to creativity quality, and connection.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover, or curious to try something new, Chablis Week offers the perfect invitation to explore, indulge, and toast to discovery. And we’re lucky that there is more than just one week to enjoy it!
KEY INFO ABOUT CHABLIS WEEK
WHAT: Enjoy six or twelve complimentary oysters paired with Chablis wines, with broader food pairings encouraged. There will be 2 to 3 featured Chablis wines per venue, including Petit Chablis, Chablis, and select Chablis Premier Cru.
WHEN: Monday 29 September – Monday 13 October 2025
WHERE: 16 curated Merivale restaurants and bars across Sydney
MORE INFO: For full details and a list of participating restaurants and wine offerings, click here
If you appreciate French wine, you may also like to read these other French wine articles:
International Chardonnay Day 2022: 23 facts about Chardonnay
Champagne Day 2023 – discover everything you need to know about champagne
International Pinot Meunier Day: 13 facts about champagne’s lesser known grape
International Pinot Noir Day 2022: discover 15 facts and which wines to drink
