If any proof were needed that the days of a stuffy old male sommelier helping the man at a restaurant table choose the perfect bottle of wine are over, Eleonore Wulf might just be it.

The vibrant Chiswick alum and current head sommelier at Sydney hotspot Nour is as passionate about supporting female winemakers, by featuring them on her wine lists, as she is about helping everyone feel confident about exploring and choosing wines.

“It’s exciting to be part of a new generation of women in wine,” she says. “In Australia in particular, we’ve got some baller ladies doing amazing things. Yalumba chief winemaker Louisa Rose is a perfect example – it’s inspiring to see talented women in prominent roles like that.”

For anyone who finds the world of wine intimidating or overwhelming, Wulf has some reassuring advice: unless you’re a sommelier, being curious is more important than knowing everything there is to know about wine.

“You don’t have to be too serious in your approach to wine,” she says. “There’s so much to know and so much to learn, but you need to remember to keep it relaxed. After all, you want to enjoy it.”

Here, she shares a few go-to pairings.

1. Nour’s coconut basbousa with Yalumba FSW Botrytis Viognier 

The “nuanced honey, floral and ginger notes” of the wine pair beautifully with the coconut semolina, which is served with fenugreek custard, vanilla ice-cream and a generous drizzle of honey, according to Wulf.

“I absolutely adore honey,” she says.“Coming from Tassie, I’m a little bit of a connoisseur, so it takes me to a special place in my childhood.”

2. Gummy bears with Yalumba Wild Ferments Rosé

“Pairing wine with sweets is a little bit of fun,” Wulf says. “Learning about wine is incredible and there’s so much to learn, but you shouldn’t always take it too seriously.”

3. Seared kangaroo and pomegranate salad with Yalumba Bush Vine Grenache

The “lovely, light fruit structure” and subtle tannins in the wine complement the popping fruits in the salad, Wulf says. She advises serving the Grenache chilled, especially during summer.

Hungry for more? Simply dining out and asking sommeliers for some tips is the best way to discover new flavours and pairings, Wulf says. Sounds tough, but if we must…

Visit Yalumba for more inspiration or book a table at one of these restaurants:

Adelaide
Chianti 
The Ottoman Grill
Georges on Waymouth
Kyoku Yakiniku

Sydney
La Spiaggia
Nour
Saké

Melbourne
Cosi Bar Ristorante
Maha restaurant
Bellota Wine Bar
Tokyo Tina
Yakimono 

Brisbane
Massimo
Ahmet’s Turkish Restaurant
Opa Bar + Mezze
Rico Bar and Dining