Wine Australia today announced that Adelaide will host the inaugural Savour Australia, the country's own global wine forum to be held from September 15 to 18.
Billed as the most comprehensive exploration of Australian wine ever undertaken, Savour is expected to attract hundreds of global and local wine distributors, retailers, winemakers and commentators to Adelaide.
The event combines business discussion, wine tastings and lifestyle experiences to illustrate the current and future position of Australian wine as a significant player in the global market.
Wine Australia market development general manager, James Gosper, said Savour heralded a significant change in the promotion of Australian wine globally, with a deliberate shift into the lifestyle, food and travel arenas alongside key partners such as Tourism Australia.
"We want attendees to challenge the commonly held perceptions of Australian wine, uncover the business case for our wines and discuss Australia's role in the global wine market, but do this in a way that couples our wines with our quintessential Australian way of life," he said.
"We'll do this through up to 20 landmark tastings, themed lunches and dinners and discussions that will showcase wines rarely shown and themes rarely explored to uncover the innovation, diversity and quality of what Australia has to offer – presented by Australia's leading winemakers and international wine personalities."
South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill said hosting Savour gave the state a unique opportunity to showcase its very best food and wine to delegates.
"The premium food and wine produced in our clean environment is world-renowned, and Savour presents an exciting opportunity to strengthen global understanding of all South Australia has to offer," he said.
"I look forward to welcoming wine trade partners to South Australia and trust they will also learn more about our fantastic tourism opportunities and lifestyle."
Adelaide was selected as the host city by Wine Australia following an extensive national tender process.
The draft program and ticket prices for Savour will be released tomorrow, via the official Savour website.
Early bird tickets will go on sale in the first week of April.