AUS: Wine trade out to boost presence in Europe

(TheAge) - The peak industry body Wine Australia is hosting a visit by 20 leading European sommeliers, wine educators and writers to highlight the regional diversity and quality of Australian wines as the high dollar and offerings from new world producers, as well as traditional nations such as France and Germany, undercut Australian markets.
The visit, organised in partnership with wine regions and wineries, will give participants first-hand experience of Australian wine through winery visits, dinners, masterclasses and themed tastings that cover broad-ranging topics and styles such as chardonnay, pinot noir, riesling, topaque, muscat, alternative varieties, organic and biodynamic wines.
Wine Australia's regional director, Europe, Yvonne May said the trip would let participants experience the quality and diversity of Australian wines and help build Australia's position within the wine trade.
''This will give these highly influential visitors opportunity to experience the regions, meet the people and hear the stories that make Australian wines stand out … to help grow a sustainable, profitable position among the UK, European and Irish trade,'' Ms May said.