Leading wine retailers, sommeliers, importers and distributors from around the world are getting a taste of some of Australia's best drops at Savour Australia – the biggest Australian wine forum ever staged.
Kicking off in Adelaide today, and running for three days, Savour Australia will comprise business sessions on wine, consumer trends and retailing; themed lunches and dinners; and a Grand Tasting featuring wines from more than 170 Australian wineries.
Wine Australia’s chief executive, Andrew Cheesman, said the event aimed to get the world’s wine influencers excited about and engaged with Australian wine.
"Through Savour Australia 2013, we want to ignite the world’s interest in Australian wines and help get more quality Australian wines onto the world’s retail shelves and wine lists.
"Ultimately, through this event, we want to generate a renewed focus on the Australian wine category with expanded Australian wine portfolios in all our markets," he said.
Wine Australia’s general manager, market development, James Gosper said the event would re-energise the world's wine trade and provide new perspectives on Australian wine.
"The time is right to remind the world about our innovative and high quality wines with China now the biggest market for Australian bottled exports above $7.50 per litre, an improved sentiment shift in the US and increasing recognition of quality Australian wines, and Australia the number one category in the UK.
"On top of that, Tourism Australia’s new food and wine focus, which will be announced today at Savour Australia 2013, will help forge a strong identity in the marketplace about Australia’s incredibly diverse, unique and top quality wine and food experiences," he said.
Australian cuisine and fresh produce will also be a focus of Savour Australia 2013, with some of Australia’s top chefs and producers attending. They include:
- Matt Stone, executive chef, Silo and Greenhouse;
- Mark Jensen, head chef, Red Lantern;
- Andre Ursini, owner and chef at Andre’s Cucina;
- Ollie Gould, head chef, Stokehouse.
- Kris Lloyd, head cheese maker, Woodside Cheese Wrights;
- John Susman, partner of Fishtales;
- Matt Purbrick, vegetable producer; and
- Tim O’Connor, beef processor, O’Connor Meats.
For the full event program, visit www.savour-australia.com