The French-Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry​ was delighted to invite you to its Gala Dinner celebrating the conclusion of the 2024 Air Liquide Concours des Vins, the French Victorian Wine Show, held on Wednesday 7 November 2024 at the stunning RACV City Club Melbourne.

What an incredible evening it was! 250 guests joined us to celebrate the exceptional wines from Victoria and beyond, in the heart of Melbourne's wine scene.

The night was filled with fantastic moments, from sipping award-winning wines to indulging in a four-course gourmet meal, expertly crafted by Chef Philippe Mouchel of Philippe Restaurant​. Guests had the chance to meet the talented winemakers behind the competition's top wines and even participate in selecting the evening's best wine.

Highlights of the evening included the silent auction, featuring a range of exclusive items, and the exciting announcements of the competition's winning wineries. Guests were treated to vibrant entertainment throughout the night, creating a lively and memorable atmosphere.

The Gala was truly a celebration of French and Australian wine culture, bringing together a wonderful mix of industry experts, wine lovers, and members of the French-Australian business community.

We were thrilled to see so many of you join us for this spectacular evening of fine food, excellent wines, and great company!

We would like to extend a special thank you to our Naming Rights Sponsor Air Liquide​, our Silver Sponsor Altios Australia​, our Event Sponsors FINNAirSea Logistics​, Global Victoria​, Fromager d'Affinois​, Clos Cachet​ and Seguin Moreau​ and our Media Partner SBS​, as well as all our Product Sponsors for contributing to the success of the evening with goody bags and auction prizes.

We are already looking forward to welcoming you to our next celebration of French-Australian excellence!

Once again, thank you to all our sponsors, partners, and guests for making this event truly special!

This Gala marks the culmination of our judging session and will feature the prestigious "Wine of the Year" and "Public Choice Trophy" awards. 

The "Public Choice Trophy" is especially unique, as it will be chosen by you, guests of the Gala Dinner, giving you the opportunity to acknowledge your favourite wine of the evening. You will also have the exclusive prospect to taste these award-winning wines during the Gala Dinner. 

You will also witness the grand reveal of the "Wine of the Year" chosen by our expert jury. 

To top it all off, the ability to buy bottles will give you the chance to impress your guests with special wines that have already received industry acclaim, adding a touch of distinction to your future gatherings.

Philippe Mouchel​, one of the world's most esteemed French chefs, has had a distinguished career that spans multiple continents and Michelin-starred kitchens. Originally from Normandy, Philippe's journey began at 16 and led him to work under culinary legends like Paul Bocuse, which significantly shaped his style. His experience in Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, and the USA has endowed him with a unique blend of French and Japanese culinary influences.

Since relocating to Australia in 1991, Philippe has made a significant impact on the Victorian culinary scene, opening acclaimed restaurants like The Brasserie by Philippe Mouchel and his current establishment, Philippe​, on Collins Street. His contributions have earned him prestigious accolades, including Chef of the Year at the 2011 Savour Australia™ Restaurant Catering Awards and the Vittoria Legends Award from The Age Good Food Guide in 2012.

For the Gala Dinner of the Air Liquide Concours des Vins du Victoria, Philippe has crafted an exquisite 4-course meal, carefully designed to complement the four classes of wines showcased at the event: Aromatic Whites, Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir. This collaboration promises a culinary experience that harmoniously pairs the finest Victorian wines with Philippe's world-renowned expertise.

Join us for an exclusive Four-Course Plated Lunch that promises an unforgettable culinary and wine experience!

Delight in expertly crafted dishes presented by the renowned Chef Philippe Mouchel and hear from our esteemed jury members. As you savour each course, our panel of judges will share their insights, guiding you through the thought process behind selecting these exceptional vintages. Discover the story behind both the wines and the dishes, making this a truly unique event for your palate. Don't miss this rare opportunity to engage with the masters behind the magic!

Join us for a Live Auction with a top auctioneer, where you can bid on fantastic prizes. During buffer times, don't miss the chance to participate in the Silent Auction, featuring amazing items from our Product Sponsors.

The evening may hold other surprises for you!