THE NEXT GENERATION OF AUSTRALIA’S LEADING WINE GROUP HEADING TO TASMANIA FOR THE FIRST TIME

‘SUSTAINABILITY, INNOVATION AND RELATIONSHIPS’ IN FAMILY BUSINESS IS ON THE AGENDA

PHOTO & INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

MEDIA RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 2017

Continuing their tradition of visiting some of Australia – and the world’s – greatest wine regions, the Next Generation of Australia’s First Families of Wine (AFFW) are heading to Tasmania to continue their vinous education. This year’s trip follows their 2016 visit to New Zealand as guests of NZ’s leading wine group, the Family of Twelve.

Australia’s First Families of Wine was established in 2009 to tell their tales, share their history and highlight the provenance behind some of Australia’s most iconic drops. Its twelve members represent over 1380 years of collaborative winemaking experience across 16 regions and 48 generations and remain proudly multi-generational and 100% family owned. Together they have shaped the landscape over years of dedication, passion and commitment to the iconic vineyards they toil.

Heading to Tasmania on Friday 24 November, the Next Gen as they are affectionately known, will be experiencing the best of Australian wine at the exhibitor tasting of the Hobart Wine Show before heading to MONA for an education of a different kind!

Saturday will see the group leaving Hobart and heading to the stunning East Coast of Tasmania, visiting Brown Brothers’ vineyards and learning more about Tasmanian winemaking and sustainability practices from Brown Brothers’ local Viticulturist, Ben Fleer. And no visit is complete without experiencing the joys of Tasmanian produce, including local oysters and sparkling wine by the lagoon at Devil’s Corner, before they head to Launceston to host an event. 1

Partnering with one of Launceston’s leading restaurants, Cataract on Paterson, the Next Gen will be hosting a wine dinner on Saturday 25th November with the best of their wines chosen from the family cellars. Matched with dishes selected by the restaurant’s Executive Chef, the dinner will feature a range of wines never before served at a dinner like this in Launceston.

This is definitely AFFW’s ‘best foot forward’ approach with wines like the esteemed 2011 Tyrrell’s HVD Semillon, 2016 Jim Barry The Florita , 2013 Mount Edelstone Shiraz and 2013 The Signature featured, along with a range of other beauties from the family cellars. This unique opportunity won’t be repeated and tickets are $170 per head, available by calling 03 6331 4446 or contacting [email protected]. Seats are limited so book early to avoid disappointment!

Sunday will see the group spending some vineyard touring time around Launceston, undertaking educational discussions and seminars before heading back home late afternoon.

AFFW Next Gen Chairperson, Katherine Brown, is excited to be bringing the group to Tasmania and particularly to visit her family’s vineyards and winery on the East Coast. She said, “We have themed this visit ‘Sustainability, Innovation and Relationships’ because as multi-generational family businesses, we have a responsibility to address these issues, to ensure the longevity of our business for future generations.” She added, “We have an annual trip as the Next Generation of AFFW however, this is our first visit as a group to Tasmania. We’re looking forward to telling the tales behind our families’ wines and learning along the way. There’s sure to be loads of fun, too!’

For more information about AFFW, head to www.affw.com.au. Or follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AFFW1, Twitter: @AFFWine and Instagram: @affwine. ENDS

The Next Generation of AFFW including Chairperson Katherine Brown are available for interview and photo opportunities are available at any of the stops or events.

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Katherine Brown, fourth generation from Brown Brothers

For interviews, images or comment from any of AFFW please contact:

Kathy Lane, FireWorks PR, Promotions & Events Phone: + 61 (03) 9645 5539 Mobile: + 61 (0) 419 392 183 Email: [email protected]

INFORMATION FOR MEDIA:

Australia’s First Families of Wine are: Brown Brothers, Campbells, d’Arenberg, De Bortoli, Henschke Wines, Howard Park, Jim Barry Wines, McWilliams, , Taylors, Tyrrells and Yalumba.

Together they share over 1380 years of collective winemaking experience across 16 wine regions and 48 generations.

Attending the AFFW Next Gen trip to Tasmania are: Katherine Brown (Brown Brothers, AFFW Next Gen Chairperson) Anna, Sophie & Ben DeBortoli, Sally Webber (DeBortoli) Justine & Andreas Henschke (Henschke) Richard Burch () Olivia Barry (Jim Barry Wines) Scott McWilliam (McWilliam’s) Monica George (Tahbilk) Justin Taylor (Taylors)

BACKGROUNDER

AFFW came together as an extended family in 2009, to tell the tales and stories behind their family businesses, both in Australia and around the world. Self-funded, the group has driven 3 the messages of quality and provenance of premium Australian wine, sharing their anecdotes as custodians of some of the most iconic vineyards Australia boasts. With wines made with a true sense of place and with a genuine history full of passion, innovation and provenance, AFFW is well placed to claim ownership of the ‘family’ mantle. Head to www.affw.com.au for more information.

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