More than 100 local wine producers are set to host a prominent group of international wine importers this week, as part of a strategic initiative by the South Australian Government.
The importers, who are key players in the South Australian Wine Ambassadors Club (SAWAC), will spend four days touring our famous wine regions, including Adelaide Hills, Barossa, Clare Valley, and McLaren Vale.
Happening from May 4 to 7, this visit is all about helping to grow and diversify South Australia’s $1.9 billion wine industry, expanding its reach even further.
Importers who have arrived from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand will explore various vineyards and engage with wine producers from other significant regions like Riverland, Langhorne Creek, and the Limestone Coast at a special exhibition to be held at the National Wine Centre.
In addition to vineyard tours, the agenda includes visits to iconic venues such as Seppeltsfield Barossa, Shaw + Smith, and Dandelion Vineyards’ Wonder Room.
These activities are designed to deepen the importers’ understanding of the unique attributes that make South Australia a globally renowned wine-producing region.
Joe Szakacs, Minister for Trade and Investment, highlighted the significance of the initiative.
“This program is making sure South Australia’s globally recognised wine is reaching new audiences and capitalising on new opportunities,” he stated.
Szakacs also mentioned the recent success in China, where South Australia’s premium wine exports have surged over the past year.
He emphasized, “While South Australia’s premium wine exports to China have skyrocketed in the last 12 months – a tremendous result – this government also recognises that diversification builds a stronger and more resilient industry.”
Since its inception two and a half years ago, the South Australian Wine Ambassadors Club (SAWAC) programme has facilitated the entry of 75 additional brands into six new markets, accumulating $2.14 million in initial export orders.
Szakacs also remarked on the importance of such initiatives in response to global challenges, stating, “The South Australian Wine Ambassadors Club is an important diversification tool for our state’s wine industry, particularly as global tariffs have again reared their ugly head.”
This ongoing initiative underscores the government’s commitment to not only expanding the international footprint of South Australia’s wine industry but also ensuring its continued growth and resilience in the face of global market fluctuations.
The current gathering of international wine importers provides a valuable opportunity for local producers to directly engage with and enter into potentially lucrative export markets, thus reinforcing the global reputation of South Australian wine.
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