Australia Trade Tasting 2022

The Australia Trade Tasting returned to London on 7 April 2022, marking Wine Australia’s first in-person event in the UK since January 2020

At full capacity with 54 exhibitor tables, the tasting featured more than 700 Australian wines from 170 producers. Around 250 trade visitors attended, including buyers from multiple retailers and independent specialists, sommeliers and journalists.

 Key features of this year’s trade tasting were:

• the latest vintages from Penfolds, Henschke, Vasse Felix and Clonakilla
• old vine wines from Torbreck, Tahbilk and Thistledown
• sparkling wines from Barossa, Clare Valley, Coonawarra, Margaret River, Tasmania and Yarra Valley
• fortified wines from Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Rutherglen
• a new-to-market area, with 100 wines from new producers seeking distribution
• 42 different grape varieties – from Aranel and Assyrtiko, Sagrantino and Sangiovese, to Zibibbo and Zweigelt, and
• alternative wines and new launches, including low and no alcohol (NOLO) wines, pét-nat, wine in cans, and wines from celebrities.

Wine Australia’s Regional General Manager of the UK and Europe Laura Jewell MW, said “There was a fantastic atmosphere at the Australia Trade Tasting, with a lot of energy and enthusiasm, and it was great to see guests discovering new wines and renewing old acquaintances. The tasting was a much-needed opportunity for trade to get up-to-date on Australian wine and catch up with distributors.”

 David Cartwright, Director at Seckford Agencies, said “The Australia Trade Tasting has shown that it is a ‘must attend’ event. The opportunity to have focussed meetings with existing partners and make new contacts was invaluable. The quality of the buying community in attendance made for a hugely effective trade fair.”

 British wine writer, television presenter and broadcaster Oz Clarke OBE said the tasting was a “brilliant example of how the classic styles have never been better and the new wave, with a deferential nod to the elders, has never been more exciting.”

 Susie Barrie MW, presenter, broadcaster and writer said, “Australia really is producing some of the most exciting wines its ever made right now. Admittedly I was cherry-picking but what a selection. Nuanced, fragrant, characterful and so compellingly drinkable.”

 Wine writer Liam Campbell came over from Ireland for the tasting. He said, “The much missed Australia Trade Tasting made a welcome return. My take-away impression was that Australia now more than ever continues to push the possibilities and performance of European grape varieties, especially the less familiar and the lesser known, including Fiano, Nebbiolo, Vermentino and many, many others, including a unique Australian Assyrtiko from Irish descendant, Jim Barry.”