Canadians get a taste for Australian wine ahead of Vancouver International Wine Festival

Vancouver, Canada: Last Thursday (20 November), Canadian media got a taste of what’s to come when Australia is the theme country at next year’s Vancouver International Wine Festival (VIWF) after attending the Savour Australia Preview Tasting held by Wine Australia at the award-winning Hawksworth Restaurant.

Guests included wine, food and lifestyle media, as well as VIWF’s Executive Director Harry Hertscheg and Chairman Randy Kaardal. Also in attendance was Australia’s Honorary Consul for British Columbia Kevin Lamb and a representative from event partner Tourism Australia. As part of its Restaurant Australia global campaign, canapés using Australian produce were matched to the wines on tasting.

Guests were introduced to Australia’s VIWF theme ‘history, evolution and revolution’ with 55 wines showcasing Australia’s 200-year winemaking history; its regional, style and variety evolution; and the innovative techniques being used that are shaping the wine trends of tomorrow.

Wine Australia Regional Director for North America, Angela Slade said the preview tasting was just the beginning of a huge build-up in British Columbia to Savour Australia when it rolls into town at VIWF celebrating the quality, diversity, provenance and personality of Australian wine.

'Wine Australia and our event partners will bring an unprecedented number of Australian wine brands to Vancouver in February in a packed calendar of epicurean events and experiences.

'The "history, evolution, revolution" theme seen at last week’s event and continued at VIWF will come to life through a tasting room, seminars, masterclasses, themed lunches, winemaker dinners and even a late-night lounge party.'
Hertscheg said to guests at the tasting, “Excitement is building for Savour Australia at VIWF with advanced ticket sales already well ahead of last year, up 28 per cent. Australia is proving to be a very popular theme country and we’re thrilled to be working with the Wine Australia team on next year’s festival.

'VIWF is the biggest event on Canada’s wine calendar and there’s going to be plenty more to "savour" come February.'

Visit the Savour Australia at VIWF website for further information.

Vancouver International Wine Festival will be held from 20 February—1 March 2015.