Media Release

Tuesday, 9 June 2015

Wine Australia’s tastings in and Denmark reinvigorate interest

Distinctively Australian fine were celebrated in Poland and Denmark in May, with tastings for trade and consumers in Warsaw and Copenhagen. These tastings were an opportunity for Australian wineries to generate business leads and capitalise on the growing interest in Australian in central and northern Europe. The events both featured a masterclass, hosted by Polish wine journalist Andrzej Daszkiewicz in Warsaw and Neil Hadley MW of Wakefield Wines in Copenhagen, and were followed by tasting sessions for more than 200 trade and consumers in each city. The tastings offered guests a snapshot of Australia’s 65 diverse wine regions with more than 200 wines on pour from 50 wineries in Copenhagen and 34 wineries in Warsaw. Australian signature varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, , Pinot Noir, and Shiraz were given centre stage at dedicated free-pour focus tables that proved popular with trade guests. In Warsaw, Pernod Ricard Winemakers Global Wine Ambassador Nick James-Martin presented a table of Jacob’s Creek wines, including several new releases from his portfolio. ‘Poland is an important market for Jacob’s Creek and we will continue to support it with visits from Australia plus in-market activities’, Mr James-Martin said. Participants at the Copenhagen event included those already in the Danish market, such as Hardys, Wynns and Jansz Tasmania, as well as several brands seeking distribution in Denmark, including Fraser Gallop Estate and Punt Road. These new-to-market wineries reported strong business opportunities and enthusiasm among attendees. For Chalk Hill Wines’ Tim Smith the event was so promising because it brought together some really high- calibre wine buyers. ‘It is early days yet, but dealing directly with these decision makers demonstrated the value for us in participating’, he said. Wine Australia Regional Director Laura Jewell MW said there was keen interest in Australian wines, demonstrating strong business potential in Poland and Demark. ‘It was fantastic to be a part of such an energetic engagement with the Polish and Danish markets,’ she said. ‘Both events were buzzing throughout the day, filled with enthusiastic tasters looking to rediscover Australia and passionate producers proud to show them through their wines. Thank you to our world-class wineries for supporting these very important markets with us.’

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For further information or event images please contact: Charmaine Glase – Wine Australia Manager, Communications and PR Phone: 02 9361 1263 Mobile: 0409 859 960 Email: [email protected]

About Wine Australia Wine Australia is part of the Australian Grape and Wine Authority (AGWA), the Australian Government body that supports the sector. Wine Australia aims to continue to build and strengthen the reputation of the industry through marketing and promotional activities both domestically and internationally.