COONAWARRA winemaker Sue Hodder will travel to the US this month to educate and update trade opinion leaders and influencers on Australian wines.
Ms Hodder will be accompanied by 12 Australian winemakers as part of the Australia Decanted event, a four-day, invitation-only symposium exploring the varieties, regions and styles of wine that make Australia one of the world’s most diverse wine regions.
US trade influencers will explore classic expressions, new interpretations and the influence of altitude, attitude and terroir on Australian wine at Lake Tahoe, California.
Ms Hodder said it was important to provide a concise and modern story of Australia’s wine history, style and direction.
“It is important they are well aware that Australia is a home of quality and diverse wines that are applicable for their market,” Ms Hodder said.
“The US have their own wines of course, but they are a large population of wine consumers and we believe there is a niche there for us and if we tell our stories in the best possible way then we will have great success.”
The Wynns Coonawarra Estate winemaker will be representing Australian and Coonawarra cabernet at the event, discussing the region’s red terra rossa soil and the heritage of the area.
“We will also be discussing the modern style that is applicable to modern cuisines and all the innovation and investigation that we have been doing over the last few years to tell the best possible stories,” she said.
“I am looking forward to proudly telling the story of our wines of Conawarra, Wynns Coonawarra Estate and Australian cabernet sauvignon in particular and explaining what we are doing and receiving the response and feedback from the influencers and trade in the US.”
It is the first time the event has been held, with Ms Hodder saying she was proud to be part of it.
“Wynns Coonawarra Estate cabernet is a significant chapter in the Australian wine story,” she said.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Anne Ruston, said events like Australia Decanted would send a strong signal to the US market that Australia was ready to do business.
“Engaging with the US market and building demand for our wine exports is a key goal of the $50m export and regional wine support package,” Ms Ruston said.
“‘We’re investing significantly to share our stories in the US. ”
Australia Decanted will take place on July 22 to 26 and feature seminars, tastings and a vibrant program.
