Six courses, two wines per dish and one mystery bottle in Darling Harbour
Sydney, 16 July 2026. On a cold July evening, The Ternary teamed up with Joval Wines to put Australian wine up against the rest of the world. Guests arrived at 5:45pm for a six-course tasting menu where nearly every dish came with two wines: one from Australia and one from overseas, poured side by side so the table could compare, argue and pick a favourite.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to the Joval team for helping us pull together such a fun night.
What is an Australia v Rest of the World wine dinner?
It is a hosted dinner where Australian wines are tasted alongside wines from other great regions, matched by grape or style. A Clare Valley Riesling sits next to a Riesling from the Mosel. An Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc faces off against one from Marlborough. Nobody has to be an expert. The point is to taste the differences and decide for yourself.
Our menu came from the kitchen of a restaurant built around grill, wok and wine, so the food had plenty of spice, smoke and freshness for the wines to work with.
The menu and the wines
The evening opened with canapés and two sparkling wines: Champagne Taittinger Cuvée Prestige Brut NV from Champagne, France, against Stonier Sparkling from the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. Guests worked through prawn 65 with saffron aioli, seared scallops with Thai dressing, potato vada with mint and coriander sauce, and teriyaki quail with sesame dust. A mixed wood mushroom naan with mint raita followed.
From there, the courses came out one after another:
- Thai crab toast with young coconut and candied chilli, paired with Rieslingfreak No.5 Off Dry Riesling from the Clare Valley, South Australia, and Weingut Hüls Riesling from the Mosel, Germany.
- Butter poached spotted cod with lentils du puy and parsley gremolata, paired with Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc from the Adelaide Hills and Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand.
- Lachnavi Galawati lamb kebab with celeriac saffron fondant, paired with a mystery wine that guests had to figure out for themselves.
- Braised beef cheek with horseradish colcannon and broad beans, paired with The Pawn Tempranillo from the Adelaide Hills and López Cristóbal Ribera del Duero Roble from Spain.
- Wattle seed and dulce de leche cheesecake, paired with Ramos Pinto Tawny Port from Portugal’s Douro Valley and Chambers Rosewood Old Vine Muscat from Rutherglen, Victoria.
Why guests enjoy a wine dinner at The Ternary
- Two wines per dish. Comparing them is the best way to learn what you like.
- A host who explains. Guests left knowing more about regions, grapes and pairing than when they sat down.
- Limited seats. We keep numbers small, so the room stays warm and social.
- The setting. Inside Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour, close to the CBD, ICC Sydney and the harbour.
The dinner suited date nights, celebrations and catch-ups with friends, and plenty of guests booked it as a gift.
Frequently asked questions:
What was the Australia v Rest of the World wine dinner at The Ternary?
It was a six-course hosted wine dinner held on Thursday 16 July 2026 with Joval Wines. Most dishes were paired with one Australian wine and one international wine.
Which countries were represented at the dinner?
Alongside Australia, wines came from France, Germany, New Zealand, Spain and Portugal.
How much did the wine dinner cost?
Tickets were $165 per person, or $140 per person for ALL Accor+ Explorer members.
What was on the menu?
Canapés, a mushroom naan, Thai crab toast, spotted cod, a lamb kebab, braised beef cheek and a wattle seed and dulce de leche cheesecake, each matched with wine.
Do I need to know about wine to attend?
No. The dinner suited wine lovers and beginners alike, and the host explained each wine and why it was chosen.
Were dietary needs catered for?
Gluten-free dishes were marked on the menu. For future dinners, let us know your requirements when you book.
Where are The Ternary’s wine dinners held?
At The Ternary, inside Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW.
About The Ternary
Inspired by the Latin word Ternarius, meaning “three at once,” The Ternary brings together a bold grill, vibrant Asian flavours, and a relaxed wine bar under one roof, all with sweeping views of the Sydney skyline and Darling Harbour.
Led by award-winning Culinary Director Anthony Flowers, The Ternary is known across Sydney for its open kitchen, seasonal menus, and welcoming atmosphere, making it a top choice for private dining, corporate events, and celebrations in Darling Harbour.
About Joval Wines
Joval Wines is an Australian privately owned family company with a focus on fine wine. Its group owns a collection of boutique premium wineries in Australia and New Zealand, with brands including Tar & Roses and RockBare.
