WA Foundation Day Wine Tasting 2011
The second annual WA Foundation Day Wine Tasting was held at the Exhibition Hall of the Australian High Commission on the 9th of June.
The consumer and trade event attracted around 160 people, nearly double last year’s attendance, with 70 WA premium wines available for tasting.
Those from the trade were particularly interested in discussing using WA wines as an alternative to French wines, in particular well-reputed Cabernet Sauvignons, Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Whilst most of the UK market is already supplied with ‘cheap and cheerful’ Australian wines, WA wines stand out as being premium quality, easily comparable to old-world wine producers.
Though WA produces less than 4 per cent of Australia’s wine, it accounts for around 25 per cent of the total premium wine produced in Australia. With nine wine regions, the state’s vineyards cover a vast area, each producing their own unique style.
The Premier addressed the tasting, highlighting the importance of the wine industry to the State. Millions of dollars have been channelled into rural WA to support the wine industry and associated wine based tourism, creating numerous job opportunities in sectors such as tourism, hospitality and entertainment.
Australian wine sales in the UK rose 6 per cent in 2010, with the UK being WA’s second largest wine market behind China, totalling around $6.7 million in 2009/2010.
