Wine Australia and New Zealand Winegrowers are inviting UK and Ireland based trade representatives to register for upcoming trade tastings in Dublin on 27 January, London on 30 January and Edinburgh on 4 February.
In a first for these key markets, the two national associations will come together to host this event. New Zealand Winegrowers' annual trade tasting has been running since 1982 and Wine Australia's since 1986.
Chris Stroud, New Zealand Winegrowers Market Manager – Europe, said he was very pleased to team up with Wine Australia:
"Last year, our trade tastings were a week apart and in the same venue in London. Teaming up enables importers to showcase a wider portfolio at one event, and it helps buyers, retailers and sommeliers get the most out of a day away from their business."
Mark Stephenson, Director at retailer Grape and Grain, said the collaboration is a fantastic initiative and he'll be attending the London tasting to seek out new wines:
"Wine Australia and New Zealand Winegrowers joining forces is great news for the trade. There's synergy between the two countries, the wines are complementary, and the joint event helps buyers juggle busy schedules."
Across the roadshow, there will be more than 1,000 wines from 200 brands spanning 54 regions in Australia and New Zealand. The line-up features 44 grape varieties – from more well-known varieties Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Shiraz, to smaller plantings including Albariño, Assyrtiko, Chenin Blanc, Nebbiolo and Uva di Troia.
Members of the trade are invited to revisit regional heroes like Clare Valley Riesling, McLaren Vale Grenache, Central Otago Pinot Noir and red blends from Hawke's Bay as well as explore innovative styles such as minimal intervention wines, pét-nat and low and no alcohol wines.
For buyers and importers looking to expand their portfolios, across the three cities there are more than 200 wines from wineries seeking distribution in the UK and Ireland. The 'new to market' line-up includes Barossa Valley Picpoul, concrete egg fermented Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, pink pét-nat Zinfandel, and chocolate infused fortified wine from Australia. From New Zealand, there is a field blend of Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Riesling as well as wines from lesser-known regions such as Northland Syrah and from Waiheke Island the winner of the IWC International Syrah Trophy and Organic Trophy.
The tastings are an opportunity to meet winemakers and winery owners, from emerging stars to big names. Winery principals include Matthew McCulloch (Managing Director, Langmeil Winery), Hunter Smith (Co-owner, Frankland Estate) and Sarah Date (Owner, Duke's Vineyard) from Australia, and Robert Watkins (CEO, Mt. Beautiful), Paddy Borthwick (Owner/Winemaker, Borthwick Vineyard) and Roscoe Johanson (Export Sales, Giesen Group) from New Zealand.
Laura Jewell MW, Wine Australia Regional General Manager UK/EMEA, said the UK and Ireland are key markets for Australian and New Zealand wine and highlighted the camaraderie between the producers:
"The Aussies and Kiwis have lots of things in common: fine wine, great food, stunning scenery, the cool Southern Ocean and a friendly laid-back attitude. The tasting will showcase Australia and New Zealand's distinctive terroirs, vibrant winemaking communities and thrilling wines.
In competitive markets such as the UK and Ireland, we must continue to be innovative in how we showcase the breadth of Australian wines to trade. The response to our collaboration in other markets has resulted in success for producers and we are pleased to be engaging trade across the UK and Ireland this year with the combined resources of our neighbours at New Zealand Winegrowers."
