Get to know us

Sydney Wine Tasting is a collaboration of wine industry friends. After running a range of wine tasting events together, we realised that there was a huge gap in the market for an events based business that focused on bring all the elements that make wine such a captivating drink together. From Art, history, geology, chemistry and of course people, wine brings elements of each together. Telling these stories in a fun and informative way is what we are all about.  

David Messum is the founder of Cellared Fine Wine, a specialist fine wine advisory business offering private sourcing, cellar management, collection valuations and sales assistance for collectors, families and professional advisers. With more than 16 years’ experience across the wine industry, David combines deep market knowledge with a highly personal approach to helping clients build, manage and enjoy exceptional wine collections.

He is also the founder of Sydney Wine Tasting, creating premium corporate and private tasting experiences that bring fine wine to life through engaging, informed and memorable events. A WSET Diploma holder and member of the Australian Valuers Institute, David’s expertise spans fine wine, secondary market behaviour, provenance and professional valuation for family law, probate, insurance and private collection purposes.

David’s background also includes winemaking, as the founder and winemaker of Born & Raised Wines, a Victorian project inspired by Italian varieties and minimal-intervention winemaking. Through his marketing agency, Just the Drop, he has worked with leading wine and hospitality brands, while his writing and presenting experience includes contributions to Wine Business Magazine and appearances as the wine expert on Virgin Australia’s What’s Cooking radio show.

When not immersed in wine, David is usually out riding his bike, spending time with his family, or planning the next eating and drinking expedition.

Charlie is one of 3 Australians to have successfully completed the unique international Masters Degree, the MSc OIV - Masters in International Wine Management, since its inception in 1983. Charlie graduated in Paris in 2013 with Special Mention. Charlie is currently the Managing Director of Virtuous Vine - importer/distributor of high quality French natural wines and is a partner in Sydney Wine Tasting, Australia’s premier Wine Tasting Event and training company.

A very experienced public speaker in the world of wine, he speaks particularly often about the transition from 20th century mechanisation in agriculture toward sustainability and small-scale farming for quality. He previously worked in numerous roles in the vineyards and wineries of France, where he lived as an expat for 8 years. Speak to him about anything French, food, wine and good times! Oui Oui!