Australia and New Zealand masterclass

Description

For the first time in the UK, Wine Australia and New Zealand Winegrowers have teamed up to run an in-person trade masterclass and tasting to showcase the quality and diversity of wines from the Antipodes.

This exciting new event in Manchester follows a successful collaboration in the Nordics where Wine Australia and New Zealand Winegrowers ran tastings in Copenhagen and Stockholm in October 2023.

Taking place in The Castlefield Rooms in Manchester on 17 June, the event will showcase 60 wines from 24 regions across Australia and New Zealand:

• 10 wines in the masterclass and 50 wines in the free-pour tasting
• wines from 15 regions across Australia and 9 regions across New Zealand
• new releases and older vintages from iconic producers
• alternative grape varieties and new wave styles, and
• organic, biodynamic and sustainable champions.

The masterclass on signature styles of Australia and New Zealand, presented by Wine Australia’s Emma Symington MW and wine writer and consultant Rebecca Gibb MW, features sparkling wine, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz/Syrah. The 90 minute session, running from 10.30am to 12noon and again from 2pm to 3.30pm, delves into the diversity and impact of soils, climate and winemaking.

In the free-pour tasting, trade can explore classic styles including Tasmanian sparkling wine, Eden Valley Riesling and Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Central Otago Pinot Noir and Gimblett Gravels Syrah from New Zealand. Alternative grape varieties and new wave styles will also be on show such as Pét Nat, skin contact wines, minimal intervention wines, Albariño, Vermentino, Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Nebbiolo and more.

All of the wines featured in the masterclass and free-pour tasting are currently available in the UK, so this is a great opportunity for buyers looking to expand their portfolios. The list of wines is available here. 

Laura Jewell MW, Wine Australia Regional General Manager UK/EMEA, said the UK is a key market for Australian and New Zealand wine and highlighted the camaraderie between the producers:

“The Aussies and Kiwis are good mates, and we have lots of things in common. Fine wine, great food, stunning scenery, the cool Southern Ocean and a friendly laid-back attitude. The tasting will showcase Australia and New Zealand’s distinctive terroirs, vibrant winemaking communities and thrilling wines.”

Chris Stroud, New Zealand Winegrowers Market Manager – Europe, said he was delighted to be teaming up with Wine Australia and heading to Manchester for the event:

“We’ve chosen Manchester as it is a vibrant city easily reached from across the North and Central regions of the country. There is a strong core of independent wine merchants as well as a lively on-trade scene in key cities, which we hope to attract this event.”

For more information about the event and to register to attend, please visit: https://australian-newzealand-tasting2024.eventbrite.com.au