Wine, dine and watch three of Australia's top sommeliers battle it out

A great sommelier can be the highlight of a meal. Even if the food is terrible, a good somme can erase memories of overcooked steak by recommending, pouring and talking about amazing wine. The best sommeliers can also tell exactly how much you’re prepared to spend on wine without have to ask that awkward question.

After months of decanting, swirling, tasting, spitting, and chatting; the title of ‘Best Sommelier of Australia’ will be awarded on Sunday July 20 at Pyrmont’s Osteria Balla.

The Sommeliers Australia gala lunch is open to the public. Attendees will witness the three finalists battle it out in a series of practical exams including cocktail preparation, pouring to full tables, providing suggestions for food and plonk matching, and identifying different wines and spirits.

You also get to eat three-courses of Stefano Manfredi’s beautiful Italian food and quaff some of the countries best wines.

The top 10 finalists for 2014 include names like Banjo Harris Plane from Melbourne’s Attica, Julia Sewell from Rockpool Bar and Grill Sydney and Jarrod Mills from est. They'll battle it out on Saturday at a private event. The three top ranked sommeliers from this round will compete on Sunday at Osteria Balla.

Osteria Balla, The Star, 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont, $160, sommeliers.com.au