By Andrew Starke
The future of Australia’s wine industry rests on its ability to promote its fine wine credentials to the world, according to one of the country’s most respected commentators.
Speaking at the conclusion of the 2010 Landmark Australia Tutorial in the Yarra Valley, James Halliday said the industry to date had not relied on ‘fine wine’ to promote itself internationally and this was crucial to future success.
Wine Australia’s 2010 Landmark Australia Tutorial brought together 14 of the world’s most influential wine experts and educators, who undertook a week of tasting and masterclasses with a view to prompting a new sense of international recognition and acclaim for Australian wine.
The event showcased more than 230 wines from across the country in 16 themed sessions presented by leading figures in the industry.
“The Australian wine industry has worked hard to get where it is today, but we all know it is currently facing a range of issues,” Halliday said.
“We must not give up on those export markets we have cultivated and it is also of vital importance that events such as the Landmark Australia Tutorial continues. Promoting our fine wine segment is the way to go.”
The participants at this year’s Landmark Australia Tutorial hailed from a range of key markets, including the UK, Canada, United States, Denmark, Germany, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and – for the first time – Australia.
During the event, participants tasted approximately 268 years’ of vintage, more than $40,000 worth of Australian wine and were educated by 22 winemakers and presenters.
UK participant and international wine judge, Sarah Ahmed, said Landmark provided an exciting opportunity to review the varied landscape that is Australian wine ‘in all its glory’.
“The bold classics upon which Australia forged its reputation and which have been, and remain, very effective ambassadors for Australia, but also an emerging generation of ‘quiet’ wines.”
Thomas Woolrych, from Direct Wines in the United Kingdom, echoed the view that the Landmark Australia Tutorial captured the imagination of 14 individuals from around the world.
“The Australian wine industry is still working its way through its fine wine proposition, and this event is an ideal way to promote the best of the best,” he said.