By James Wells
Over 500 wines from 46 exhibitors will be showcased on the largest Wine Australia stand at ProWein in Germany next month.
According to Wine Australia GM Marketing, Stuart Barclay, the local exhibitors attending the world’s largest wine and spirits exhibition will take advantage of favourable conditions for overseas sales.
“Prowein 2016 is an excellent opportunity to capitalise on growing international interest in the Australian fine wine offering. Exports grew 14 per cent in value in 2015 to A$2.1 billion, and the strongest growth, of 35 per cent in the last year, was in wines over A$10 per litre. Exports of these wines have reached A$480 million, a record amount,” Barclay said.
"At Prowein this year, Wine Australia is hosting the winemakers and principals from 46 wineries on our biggest stand ever, in the middle of the Australian village, surrounded by many more of our Australian colleagues.
"With over 500 wines to taste from 21 regions, there is an enormous range of styles and varieties to explore, and some of these will be the focus of five Feature Tastings.”
Wineries joining the 2016 Wine Australia stand at ProWein include: All Saints Estate,
Angove Family Winemakers, Audrey Wilkinson, Battle of Bosworth and Spring Seed Wine Co, Bremerton, Brown Brothers, Calabria Family Wines, Chaffey Bros. Wine Co, Dandelion Vineyards and Heirloom Vineyards, Elderton, Ferngrove, First Drop Wines, Fox Creek Wines, Fraser Gallop Estate, Gemtree, Glowbal Wine, Hay Shed Hill, Henry's Drive Vignerons, Howard Park and MadFish Wines, Giant Steps and Innocent Bystander, Schwarz Wine Co, Penny’s Hill, Irvine, Jacob's Creek, Kangarilla Road, Langmeil Winery, Leabrook Estate and Eccentric Wines, Leeuwin Estate, Logan, Lou Miranda Estate, Paxton Biodynamic Wines, Penley Estate, Pizzini Wines, PlanB! Wines, Printhie Wines, Schild Estate, Serafino Wines, Single Vineyard Sellers, Stella Bella, The Four Growers, The Hairy Arm Wine Co., Tyrrell's Wines, Vok Beverages, Voyager Estate, Wakefield, West Cape Howe and Wirra Wirra.
Barclay has confirmed that the Wine Australia stand will be hosting two master classes during the event hosted by Wine Australia’s education manager, Mark Davidson.
“On Sunday in the Oceans, Altitude and Australian Attitude masterclass, Mark will showcase cool climate wines from Australian vineyards where the cooling influences of elevation or a close proximity to the ocean create unique conditions for some of Australia’s most exceptional wines.
“On Monday, Mark will reveal the Evolution of Australian Grenache. Once hiding in the shadows of other red wines, the modern Australian Grenache has blossomed into one of the country’s most elegant varieties. The wines from the master classes will be available on our stand for the duration of the fair. And at the end of Sunday and Monday, we will host Happy Hour from 6pm for a chance to hear the stories behind the labels from the people who make the wines, while tasting them with some Australian-inspired dishes,” he said.
Details of Wine Australia's ProWein presence can be found on the Wine Australia website.