Gen Z Wine Challenge: Stella, 18
Decanter asks 18- to 29-year olds around the world to give their honest opinion about a wine they've splashed out on – and if it was worth the cash.
As a ‘just moved out of home’ 18-year-old law and business student at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia, wine is not my usual go-to tipple.
My flatmates and I often host pre-drinks with our friends at our share house before heading out into the city for the night, and spirits and mixers are my usual choice. I’m gathering a small collection of sweet liqueurs, too.
However, a family dinner at my uncle and aunt’s home called for something more sophisticated than vodka and coke!
When it came to choosing my bottle for the night, I was perplexed by the wide variety of choice at my local Liquorland, so I decided to enlist some help from my mum.
Stella's Gen Z Wine Challenge bottle
Oyster Bay, Chardonnay, Marlborough, New Zealand 2023
Grape: Chardonnay
Alc: 13%
Available: Liquorland Australia for $23, and widely available in the US and UK for $10-$12 / £10-£12.
Interesting fact: Named after an inlet in the Marlborough Sounds on New Zealand's South Island, Oyster Bay is a brand most well known for its Sauvignon Blanc, which is a best seller in Australia. That fact makes the Chardonnay an equally popular wine, offering great value for the modest price. This 2023 vintage scored Silver at the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards.
Why I chose it
I explained to mum that I haven’t really enjoyed the heavy, syrupy red wines I’ve tried, nor do I have much experience with anything other than sparkling options.
After some deliberation, she recommended Chardonnay as a good, fruity white wine that might suit my developing palate.
So, after looking in the Chardonnay aisle, I ended up choosing one from Oyster Bay – purely for a personal connection to the growing region.
My maternal grandad grew up in the Marlborough area of New Zealand’s South Island, so Oyster Bay had the right amount of nostalgia for me.
And, at $23, I thought it would be more appropriate for a family dinner than my usual $10 student rosé, but it also wasn’t too out of my price range to buy again in the future if I liked it.
Stella said this wine was a great middle ground to other whites she'd tried before and 'made you want to go back for another sip'.
What it tasted like
On my first sip, the thing that stood out was how refreshing it was – perfect for a warm Australian evening around the barbecue.
It tasted really smooth and not heavy, and I could pick out stone fruit flavours as well as lemon too. I really liked how light, summery and fresh it was.
Some other white wines I’ve tried before felt too sharp and acidic (I’m looking at you Sauvignon Blanc!) or very thick, rich and oaky. I found this Chardonnay sat in the middle and made you want to go back for another sip. Which both Mum and I did!
It also seems like a super versatile wine for different foods. I had it with a simple grilled chicken and salad, and it was delicious. But I could easily see myself enjoying it with seafood, or even just a cheese and fruit platter.
To be honest, it would also be perfectly fine on its own if you’re just winding down after a long day at uni.
Overall, this is a solid go-to white wine. It’s fresh, smooth and easy to drink without being boring. I’d happily grab another bottle.
Up for the Challenge?
Are you aged between 18 and 29 and want to take part in Decanter's Gen Z Wine Challenge? Email us at editor@decanter.com to introduce yourself and tell us why we should pick you. We are especially keen to hear from people living outside the UK, so don't be shy – drop us a line today!
And if you are the same age and work in the wine industry – in bars, restaurants, cellars or retail – then we are introducing a new column for you too: Gen Z Wine Trade Sips. Send us an email on the address above and tell us why you want to share your experience of a bottle you love.
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