Number one by export volume and number two by value, the UK wine market serves as an essential backbone to our export market, purchasing 220 million litres of Australian wine at a net total of $361 million during 2023 alone.
Now with over 30 years of history, the annual Australia Trade Tasting made its return to Edinburgh and London last week with a repertoire of 750 wines from 200 wineries.
“The Australia Trade Tasting is one of the best trade body events in London,” said Caroline Palma, an exhibitor at the event.
“We were delighted to see the enthusiasm for our wines from Voyager Estate and Mulline Vintners.”
More than 600 attended the tasting, including both UK industry workers along with visitors from further afield. One of the largest events of its kind, it represents an invaluable opportunity to Australian wine brands wishing to increase their presence in UK and European markets.
“The UK is a key market for Australian wine and we’re fortunate to have a long-standing event in the Australia Trade Tasting to build relationships and create new sales opportunities for our producers,” said CEO of Wine Australia, Dr Martin Cole.
“While broad economic challenges have taken their toll on wine sales in the UK in recent years, in the year ended December 2023, volume of our wine exports to the UK rose for the first time since mid-2021 and Australia remains the number one source of wine in the UK off-trade market”, said Dr Cole.
The tasting clearly highlighted the diversity of Australian wines, with 45 regions and 47 grape varieties in the mix, including lesser-known varietals such as Assyrtiko, Barbera, Kerner, Marsanne, Nebbiolo, Saperavi, Tempranillo and Vermentino.
“The classics were shining – the Semillon and Riesling were even better than I remember,” said Oz Clarke OBE, Writer, Presenter and Broadcaster.
“and particularly exciting is the emergence – or re-emergence – of grapes like Grenache and Dolcetto which were juicy, mouthwatering and thrilling.”
The quality of the Grenache on offer appeared to be a recurring theme, indicating the potential for its growth in the UK.
“The Grenaches were a highlight – it was clear that there is more and more great Grenache coming out of Australia,” said Drinks Editor at Times Luxx, Nina Caplan.
Wine Australia will also be attending upcoming February French events Wine Paris and Vinexpo, along with ProWein in Düsseldorf in March.
