Western Australia will host 11 premium wine buyers from 10 Chinese companies from 29 September to 6 October 2024, with a focus on premium wines, and specific interest in wines of WA provenance.
Regional Development Minister Don Punch has welcomed the first inbound Chinese wine trade mission to Western Australia since the lifting of wine tariffs earlier this year.
Delegates are set to tour the Great Southern and Margaret River wine regions this week.
“It’s fantastic to be here in the Great Southern, which produces world-class wines historically sought after by the Chinese market,” said Punch.
“This trade mission marks the beginning of this re-entry and is expected to reignite trade relationships and subsequent exports for Great Southern and Margaret River premium wine producers.”
This trade mission follows the Western Australian Government’s funding boost to the WA Wine Industry Export Growth Partnership. It marks a pivotal moment for the Australian wine industry, which has faced challenges in recent years.
Punch welcomed delegates at a curated dinner last night with paired wines at Denmark’s Pepper + Salt.
At the dinner, he acknowledged the significance of the Chinese market, formerly Australia’s largest wine export market, and the quality of WA wines.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Great Southern Development Commission, South West Development Commission and industry partners from Wines of Western Australia, Great Southern Wine Producers Association and Margaret River Wine Association.
The delegation tour will also feature curated producer tastings, regional masterclasses, trade showcase events, and exploration of the unique landscapes of the Great Southern and Margaret River regions.