Wine Industry Newsletter

Wines of WA update

UK buyers visit the fine wine regions of WA

UK wine buyers enjoying WA wines on the beach
Independent wine buyers from Britain toured the fine wine regions of WA last month as part of the 10-day trip.

Facilitated by Wines of WA, the buyers visited Peel, Geographe, Margaret River, Blackwood Valley, Pemberton, Manjimup, Great Southern and Swan Valley.

Yapp Brothers’ Meirion Williams said, “Margaret River and the Great Southern are known in the UK, but other regions less so. The group wanted to learn more about the fine wine regions of WA.”

Wines of WA chief executive Larry Jorgensen said Britain was in the top five markets for WA producers. The group, comprised of independent on and off-premise business were a perfect fit for many WA producers.

“They were looking for wine with provenance made by people with authenticity in their brand. In one sense there were no surprises, because the group were aware of the quality coming out of WA. But in another sense there were many surprises because the group couldn’t believe the consistent quality of the wines and diversity of styles across our regions. I believe that good business relationships will develop as a result of the visit”, he said.

"The group was able to experience the different cultures of each region on the trip, which was funded in part by a export market development grant from the Department of Agriculture and Food WA. WoWA’s role in the trip was to facilitate and join the dots for Regional Associations. Each Association organised the activities for their region. It is a fantastic example of the value of collaboration”, Mr Jorgensen said.

Chinese New Year celebrates the fine wine regions of WA

Wines of WA (WoWA) collaborated with the WA Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC), the Office of Multicultural Interests, Tourism WA and the Department of State Development to host a group of four influential online food, wine and lifestyle journalists from China for a fine wine and seafood experience. The influential opinion leaders were flown to WA as part of the State Government’s $1million marketing strategy built around the Chinese New Year.

The event, “Journey of Discovery – The Fine Wine Regions and Premium Fisheries of Western Australia” was held on Friday 3 February at Matilda Bay Restaurant as a part of the WA State Government’s 2017 Chinese New Year program, celebrating 30 years of sister state relationship with Zhejiang Province – see event program.

WoWA CEO, Larry Jorgensen explained that the concept was simple: “The fine wine regions and premium fisheries of WA are amazing, so get a beautiful venue, a great kitchen, fantastic produce and amazing wine, then get out of the way.”

Null

Attending the event were leaders of the WA Chinese community including Mr Khoon Tan, President of the WA Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Mr Ding Shao Ping from the Chung Wah Society.

Mr Ding said, “… an amazing fine wine and seafood “Journey of Discovery” experience. We all had a fantastic time. I believe that all of us will never forget this experience. We have the best wine and seafood in the world.”

Ms Anlin Sun, Deputy Consul-General of the Chinese Consulate in Perth who also joined the group was also impressed: “the journey of discovery will always be in my memory. It gave me a chance to learn more about WA, I hope more Chinese people will share your beautiful state and your delicious seafood.”

WA seafood ambassador, Don Hancey explained each dish to the group. In typical Don style he summarised the event stating, “Stunning dinner last night, food and service impeccable. Our special guests most impressed.”

John Harrison, CEO of WAFIC said, “the evening was a great way to showcase the excellence of WA’s seafood while at the same time offering an opportunity to educate key opinion leaders about the State’s fisheries and wineries.”

Mr Jorgensen noted that the primary focus from a wine perspective was to demonstrate the synergy between white wine and seafood.

“We know the Chinese love seafood and we know that white wine currently accounts for only 13% of the wine that WA exports to China. Events like this will help to change that. Riesling, Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, Verdelho and Chardonnay shone on the night”, he said.