London, It’s Good To See You

The Australia Trade Tasting returned to London this week, showcasing more than 700 wines from 200 wine producers to hundreds of trade and media in the United Kingdom.

The annual event – connecting UK wine trade with UK-based distributors and Australian wineries both in market and seeking distribution – has run for more than 30 years, with a brief hiatus in 2021 due to Covid.

Wine Australia general manager, Marketing, Paul Turale said, “We were delighted to welcome Australian winemakers and winery representatives back to the event after the last few years of Covid and travel restrictions.

“It was great to see a mix of old favourites and new faces among them, offering up the classics and something a bit different to our 450-strong audience of UK wine trade professionals.

“It’s clear there’s a real appetite from the on-trade and buyers to see more producers in market, pouring their wines and telling their stories about what makes Australian wine unique.

“And a big thanks to the producers and regional bodies who have helped us bolster interest and passion for Australian wine during travel restrictions.

“Our virtual tastings and educational sessions have been hugely successful with loads of positive engagement from importers and media across the UK and mainland Europe.”

Wine Australia regional general manager for the UK and EMEA Laura Jewell MW said, “It was great to see the enthusiasm for our diverse range of wines at the Australia Trade Tasting.

“From the conversations I had with guests, it’s clear that Australian wine continues to be a key category for the UK trade, and I’m hopeful that this will translate to new opportunities for our producers and increased sales of Australian wines.”

Australia Trade Tasting attendee Oz Clarke OBE said, “I’d forgotten how thrilling Australian wine is.

“Old faces have never been better and there were wonderful new faces I didn’t even know about.”

Lay and Wheeler buyer Beth Pearce MW said, “I tasted brilliant wines from producers I already work with and I found some gems in the new-to-market area.

“It was also a great opportunity to catch up with the Aussies.”

Exhibitor Lesley Cook, purchasing director from Lanchester Wines said, “The Australia Trade Tasting is a must-attend event.

“Trade and media were out in full force and there was a lot of excitement towards our wines and Australian wine overall.”

Vinea Marson winemaker Madeleine Marson said, “It was my first time at the Australia Trade Tasting and it was fantastic to see the enthusiasm for Australian wines, especially for our alternative varieties.

“It was great meeting UK and European trade and I had very positive conversations with a number of sommeliers.”

Sixty-one Australian wineries and six regional bodies will visit Germany in March to exhibit at Wine Australia’s largest-ever stand at ProWein.