Around the World in Chardonnay with Dawn Davies MW

Overlooked, cruelly maligned and yet nonetheless brilliant, Chardonnay can be the grape behind the world’s greatest wines. From its heartlands in Northeastern France where it was nurtured for centuries by the monks of Burgundy, to sun kissed Australia, the high Andes of Argentina  and even wet and mild England it can adapt to seemingly any climate and terrain. In the hands of the winemaker, it can be taunt, lean and mineral, it can be fruit-forward and joyful, and it can be oaked, buttery, rich and opulent.

The Drinks Business’ Woman of the Year 2025 and buying director at The Whisky Exchange, Dawn Davies MW is one of the titans of the drinks industry. Her passion and knowledge for wine have been built up over decades in the industry working as a sommelier and a buyer.