Christopher Morrison
Passion, personality and an impeccable knowledge of wine.
Profile
As a career sommelier Christopher Morrison has worked at some of the most respected restaurants in Australia and the world, and has become one of Australia’s renowned wine communicators through his work in restaurants and wine education.
Author of ‘This Is Not A Wine Guide’ – A ‘pocket sommelier’ Chris offers a new approach to wine that gives readers the confidence to make wine choices based on their own sense of taste and the way they like to eat, drink and live.
Christopher Morrison is experienced as a keynote speaker, educator and wine writer featuring in various publications. He consults to individuals and organisations wishing to increase their knowledge of wine and personal or corporate cellars creating a contemporary and refreshing way to enjoy wine.
Current work
Chris Morrison returned to work with mentor Guillaume Brahimi at the three-hatted Guillaume at Bennelong as group head sommelier in early 2013, and now works across the three restaurant’s wine programs and wine education including the newly opened Guillaume, in Sydney’s Paddington.
Recently, he was presented with The Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne, the official fraternity of the major Champagne brands.
Previous experience
Restaurants: In London in the 1990s Chris worked for famous restaurateur Sir Terance Conran at Bluebird and Coq D’Argent and back on home soil he joined the wine teams of some of Sydney’s finest restaurants including est, MG Garage, Quay and Becasse.
Guillaume: In 2002 he assumed the role of head sommelier at Guillaume at Bennelong Restaurant, a position he held for over four years.
Acoolades: In 2006 he was named the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Sommelier of the Year, regarded as one of his professions highest accolades. In 2006 he was awarded a scholarship to the prestigious Len Evans Tutorial held annually in the Hunter Valley which legendary wine writer James Halliday refers to as the ‘most exclusive wine school in the world’.
Wine: The same year Chris completed the Advanced Wine assessment course at Roseworthy Agricultural College paving the way for him to work as a Judge on the Australian Wine Show circuit where he has worked at a regional and national level. For a number of years Chris also served on the judging panel for the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Wine List of the Year award.
Writer: Chris has also contributed to Australian Bartender, Men’s Style, Australian Gourmet Traveller, House and Garden and Time Out Sydney, and is a regular columnist for FoodService magazine.
Wine: In 2007 Chris took a break from the restaurant world to work with wine personality Stuart Gregor at Liquid Ideas, a public relations company specialising in wine, travel and leisure, and in 2008 Chris joined the team at Pernod Ricard Australia as their first National Wine Ambassador, later becoming Premium Wine Brands’ Global Wine Ambassador in 2011. His role was as a representative of Australian wines to both media and trade internationally, with extensive work in China.
Feedback
Christopher Morrison knows how to work a room! His natural persona combined with his exhaustive knowledge of wine make for an informative, educational and fun event. From wine buffs to non-drinkers, he was full of interesting information and fascinating anecdotes about his experiences in the local and international wine industry. A great party opener, lunch time speaker or lead-in to post-conference drinks.
Chris is very laid back and without pretension, helping the taster to identify what they like in the wines but also allowing them their individual opinions without question. We thought Chris was great, he spoke on a level which all people could understand, whether you are a wine connoisseur or just love your wines. He wasn't like the usual wine experts sprouting off a load of information that people like us can never understand! He kept the crowd interested and also picked some very nice wines for everyone to try. I would definitely use him for a dinner talk - and be great with smaller groups also.
Wine tasting has never been more creative, we have used Chris a number of times, each its own unique experience. His enthusiasm for wine appeals to people of all socio-economic backgrounds and his depth of knowledge of the topic is beyond compare. Chris combines wit and charm and engages everyone in the room. One of the best corporate entertainment experiences we have had. Chris's penchant for Leo Sayer tunes adds colour and variety to the wine experience!
Chris Morrison from Vindependent put together a really attractive wine tasting competition that was a hit with the delegates and drew people to the Reuters stand. Chris was engaging, knowledgeable, and entertaining. He gave a really good -and memorable- explanation of the wines and their charactersitics which made everyone feel like an expert. I would highly recommend Chris Morrison and the Vindependent.
Christopher was perfect for the event and was willing to sit with the client for dinner and mingle which was very exciting for the delegates. He was captivating and informative, giving the delegates the tools to understand and appreciate wine. His passion for wine was contagious and he was well received at this function.
