US Program Activity Updates
With the support of Global Victoria, Wine Victoria and our US partners have been busy hosting a wide variety of US activations showcasing Victorian wine.
Miami: How to Drink Victorian Wine Tasting Event
We kicked off 2024 in the USA with the How to Drink Victorian Wine Tasting Event in Miami. This first time tasting event focused on wine from across Victoria including some never seen before brands and varietals in the US. Across two days, the event highlighted the regions and varietals unique to Victoria presented to local buyers, distributers, and sommeliers. Following the trade event, we hosted a tasting tour of Victoria at Ruka Winewood, Miami where local wine lovers we're guided through Victorian wines and taste of what our beautiful regions have to offer. A wonderful turnout to both events.
Las Vegas: Buyers Dinner & WSWA Access LIVE
Wine Victoria partnered with The Tasting Panel Magazine to host a buyers dinner at Joe's Stone Crab, Las Vegas. The guests comprised of judges at the recent Wine and Sprits Wholesalers Association Access Live, Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition and are key distributors, retailers or sommeliers from across the US. 12 wines were showcased including; Innocent Bystander Moscato, Zilzie Victoria Sauvignon Blanc, Chalmers Vermentino, Yering Station Chardonnay, Redbank King Valley Chardonnay, De Bortoli Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Paringa Estate ‘Peninsula’ Pinot Noir, Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz, Tar & Roses Shiraz, Dominique Portet Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Farm to Table Cabernet Sauvignon and All Saints Estate Rutherglen Muscat.
Following the buyers dinner there will be an article appearing in the next issue of The Tasting Panel Magazine by Journalist Christina Barrueta, subscribe to their website to keep an eye out for the article.
Following the buyers dinner, Wine Victoria attended the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America’s (WSWA) Access LIVE, the US beverage alcohol industry’s leading event, bringing together wholesalers, suppliers, on- and off-premise retailers, service providers, importers and exporters all under one roof. Held from January 29 to February 1, 2024, at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, Wine Victoria hosted a booth in the Hub Area and showcased nine wines including Tar & Roses Pinot Grigio, Innocent Bystander Pinot Gris, De Bortoli Estate Vineyard Chardonnay, Yering Station Pinot Noir, Redbank King Valley Pinot Noir, Mount Langhi Ghiran, Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch Shiraz, Zilzie Victoria Cabernet Sauvignon, Buller Wines 'The Nook' petit Syrah.
In Addition, each wine was submitted to the WSWA Wine and Spirits Competition judged by retail and distributors. Where Victorian Wines were awarded two Best in Show Awards, three Double Golds, one gold and four silver medals! Congratulations Victoria!
San Francisco: Victorian Tasting with San Francisco Wine School
Wine Victoria hosted its first Victorian wines hybrid tasting event with San Francisco Wine School.
The topic of the tasting was 'Explore the Thrilling and Diverse Wines of Victoria, Australia' and was led by David Glancy, MS, CWE, with Wine Australia’s Mark Davidson. Three panelists joined the session and shared their knowledge and insights into Victoria, its regions, terrior and the wines tasted. Panelists were Sarah Crowe, (Yarra Yering), Mel Chester, (Giant Steps) and Angela Brown (All Saints Estate).
The event was attended by a high-calibre list of media and trade with 30 people in the room and approximately 70 dialling in. Guests included MaryAnn Worobiec from Wine Spectator, Buyer from K&L Wines and Spirits, Portfolio Manager from Skurnik Wines and Spirits, Recommendations specialist from wine.com and the contributing editor from New Wine Review, to name a few.
Wines were dispatched to each registered attendee in mini tasting bottles to taste during the session.
Wines selected by David Glancy were Chalmers Vermentino, Heathcote, Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch Riesling, Strathbogie Ranges, Giant Steps Applejack Chardonnay, Yarra Valley, William Downie Cathedral Pinot Noir 2022 from Upper Goulburn, Henty, Strathbogie, Handpicked Selections Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula, Mayer Nebbiolo, Yarra Valley 2022, Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz, Grampians, Castagna Genesis Syrah, Beechworth, Yarra Yering N°1 Dry Red, Yarra Valley, All Saints Estate Rutherglen Muscat, Rutherglen, Mount Mary Quintet, Yarra Valley (in person attendees only).
To be included in the US program and be notified of upcoming opportunities, please contact kate.kriven@winevictoria.org.au
