Tasmania’s House of Arras scores the country first-ever 100-point sparkling wine

Australia’s sparkling wine scene has reached a defining global milestone, with Tasmania’s House of Arras awarded the nation’s first-ever 100-point rating for a sparkling wine by the prestigious Robert Parker Wine Advocate.

The perfect score was awarded to the House of Arras E.J. Carr Late Disgorged 1998 Magnum by wine critic Erin Larkin, marking not only a first for Australia, but also the first time a sparkling wine produced outside France’s Champagne region has received a 100-point rating from the influential publication.

“This recognition is a defining moment for Australian sparkling wine,” said Sarah Myers, Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia’s Executive Officer.

“It reinforces what we have long known - that Australia produces sparkling wines of extraordinary quality, and that our winery experiences offer rare, immersive access to this craftsmanship.”

“It’s such a huge honour for House of Arras to be recognised amongst such a prestigious and select few Australian producers with a perfect rating from Wine Advocate,” said House of Arras Chief Winemaker Ed Carr.

As the home of the award-winning wine, House of Arras in Northern Tasmania offers visitors the opportunity to engage with the artistry behind traditional method sparkling wines.

For those seeking the ultimate indulgence, the exclusive 40 Years of Tirage experience provides a rare and intimate tasting of museum-release sparkling wines, each aged extensively on lees and collectively representing four decades of maturation, offering unparalleled insight into the house style and its remarkable longevity.

The Sparkling Scholar experience invites guests to further explore the ‘tapestry of terroir’ through a guided tasting of vintage and non-vintage cuvées, providing insight into the regional nuances that contribute to the winery’s internationally acclaimed style.

In Tasmania’s nearby Tamar Valley, Josef Chromy Wines offers a hands-on experience in The Art of Sparkling, where guests can learn the intricacies of dosage and blending while crafting their own personalised bottle.

Beyond Tasmania, a diverse array of sparkling wine experiences across the Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia collective showcases the breadth of styles and regions defining the category.

In the Yarra Valley near Melbourne, Chandon presents three distinctly different sparkling experiences: Étoile Unveiled, an elevated private tasting that explores the craftsmanship behind its prestige Étoile cuvée followed by a seasonal three-course lunch with paired wines in the winery restaurant; Sparkle & Savour Afternoon Tea; and the Sparkling Brunch & Behind the Bubbles experience held in the spectacular Riddling Hall.

In New South Wales’ Orange region, Printhie Wines invites guests behind the scenes with its Sparkling Masterclass, traditional method production and culminating in a four-course lunch with matched wines at Printhie Dining. Or, the Sparkling & Oyster Tasting lets guests select their own oysters from Printhie’s innovative  oyster tank to enjoy with a guided tasting of cool-climate sparkling wines.

In Victoria’s King Valley, Pizzini Wines showcases the vibrant and approachable style of Prosecco through relaxed, educational tastings that celebrate the region’s strong Italian heritage.

Nearby in Milawa, Brown Brothers offers a playful Prosecco brunch experience, highlighting the versatility of sparkling wine through a gourmet spread paired with its signature range.

According to Myers, these experiences reflect the diversity of Australia’s sparkling wine landscape. “From complex, age-worthy traditional method wines to fresh, fruit-driven Prosecco, our wineries exemplify the innovation and regional expression that continue to drive international acclaim,” she said.

“With global attention now firmly on Australian sparkling wine, there has never been a better time to explore these experiences firsthand,” Myers added. “Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious traveller, these immersive winery encounters offer a deeper connection to the people, places and processes behind every glass of Australian bubbles.”

While the 100-point House of Arras E.J. Carr Late Disgorged 1998 Magnum remains an exceptionally rare release, visitors can still experience the excellence of the House of Arras portfolio and other leading sparkling producers through curated experiences across the country.