Artisans of Australian Wine tasting challenges perceptions

A nightclub in Shoreditch may not be the place that ordinarily springs to mind when considering where to present fine Australian wine to London’s trade and media – but the recent Artisans of Australian Wine tasting supported by Wine Australia was no ordinary tasting. 

More than 20 Australian wine producers made their way to London with 220 wines for the tasting on 20 September. While only a small portion of Australia’s artisanal winemaking community, the group presented some of the wines that are helping to challenge perceptions of Australian wine. And challenge perceptions they did. 

Adam Lechmere: ‘Modern Australian winemaking is iconoclastic, inquisitive, dedicated to the land. Like their forebears these winemakers tap into a well of accumulated knowledge, and push on ahead.’ 

Andrew Catchpole: ‘Featuring a mix of cooler climate, terroir focused, natural and minimalists intervention wines, this event was designed as part of a push to balance the image of Australia’s big brand driven market presence with a reminder of the diversity and smaller production winemaking that is prevalent across the country’s many winemaking regions.’ 

Sarah Ahmed: ‘Turning the tables really showed off many of the new wave, fresh, über-drinkable wines to great advantage. They can look a little lean and mean – skinny – next to more traditional Australian wines. But not on Tuesday.’ 

Giles Luckett, in a blog for Wine Australia said: ‘What we witnessed at the Artisans was the emergence of something special. A new chapter in the Australian wine story, a story I will be closely following.’ 

The Artisans of Australian Wine tasting showcased fine Australian wine from wine regions across Australia, showcasing the smaller artisanal wineries and gave the winemakers a chance to talk about their wines directly to the UK trade and media. 

The informal tasting attracted a tremendous turn out from local sommeliers and trade, encouraging many to discover new styles of Australian wine – and the excitement was palpable. 

The Artisans of Australian Wine tasting was facilitated with support from Wine Australia and hosted collaboratively by a number of Australian wine importers to the UK. 

There was overwhelming interest in the tasting from the Australian grape and wine community and Wine Australia is currently reviewing opportunities to host similar future events in key markets.