By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Sydney’s The Rocks has long been a playground for history, architecture and cobblestone charm, but now it’s adding something a little more indulgent to its list of experiences: a taste of the Barossa Valley without leaving the city.
The newly launched Chateau Tanunda x Tayim Progressive Dinner Series brings together two very different worlds - one of legendary Barossa wines, the other of bold, modern Middle Eastern cuisine – for an evening that’s as much about discovery as it is about indulgence.
The experience begins at the Chateau Tanunda Sydney Cellar Door, a space that has been delighting visitors since 2021 with a curated taste of South Australia’s iconic wine region. Here, guests are guided through a tasting of the winery’s latest releases, including the prized Old Vine Expressions, which showcase fruit from vineyards dating back for more than a century.
There’s an intimate, almost theatrical quality to the session, with the host gently nudging guests to notice aromas, textures and subtle nuances in each pour, making it both an education and a pleasure.
Once palates have been primed, it’s time to cross the sandstone walkway to Tayim. The Middle Eastern restaurant, with its contemporary nods to tradition, serves up a three-course Chef’s Table dinner designed to pair seamlessly with the Chateau Tanunda wines just tasted.
Expect dishes that are vibrant, layered and generous in flavour – think spiced lamb, charred vegetables and fresh, fragrant herbs – each course harmonising with the notes of the wines in a way that feels effortless yet deeply considered. It’s the sort of dinner that encourages lingering, conversation and a genuine appreciation for the craft behind both plate and glass.
What makes this experience particularly special is its scale and exclusivity. Limited to just 10 guests per month, it feels intimate without being intimidating, perfect for groups of friends or anyone keen to meet fellow food and wine enthusiasts. It’s an evening that moves at the right pace, allowing time to savour each tasting and each course, while soaking in The Rocks’ unique charm - the sandstone architecture, the harbour breeze and the sense of history all around.
Beyond the Progressive Dinner Series, the Sydney Cellar Door offers additional experiences for anyone looking to dive deeper into the Barossa’s story. From a $20 Introduction to Wine Experience that explores the grape-to-glass journey to an Old Vine Expressions Tasting highlighting rare vineyards of 50, 100 and even 150 years, there’s an option for every level of curiosity.
For those keen to understand more about the region itself, the Hosted Barossa Discovery Wine Tasting delves into the history, hero varieties and enduring legacy of this famed wine region.
With the series now running monthly and Chateau Tanunda continuously expanding its Sydney offerings, it’s clear the city’s wine scene has found a new heartbeat. The pairing of rich Barossa heritage with the bold, aromatic vibrancy of Middle Eastern cuisine makes for a night that’s educational, indulgent and uniquely memorable.
It’s the kind of experience that invites you to slow down, explore new flavour combinations and rediscover Sydney’s historic heart through the lens of wine and food.
For Sydney-siders and travellers alike, this is more than just a tasting; it’s an invitation to connect with one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions while enjoying a dining experience that feels effortlessly sophisticated yet warmly approachable.
From the first sip to the final bite, the Chateau Tanunda x Tayim Progressive Dinner Series turns a night out in The Rocks into a journey across both palate and region, proving that sometimes the best adventures happen close to home.
