Wine Australia’s pavilion at the main Chengdu Wine Fair, held from 23-25 March.

It’s estimated that 100,000 people visited the Fair this year, making it one of the most important commercial opportunities for exporters in what is now Australia’s most valuable wine export market. 21 exhibitors showcased more than 50 brands from more than 20 wine regions.

Willa Yang, Head of Market for Wine Australia in China, said, “This year was the largest presence of Australian wine at the Chengdu Fair since we hosted the first Wine Australia Pavilion in 2013.

“We’re pleased to see how the market is developing and the growing number of people interested in premium Australian wine. We’re confident that Australian wine has a promising future in this dynamic market.”

Matt Herde, export manager at Tahbilk, commented: “The Wine Australia Pavilion is a very impressive stand. It certainly catches the eye and it’s large. I think it’s fantastic we’ve got educational seminars. China is an exciting wine market and during the fair I have witnessed a lot of interest, a lot of young wine professionals in China, really hungry for knowledge and who want to learn more. I think Australia holds a nice premium image in this market, so [it’s been] very good, very positive.”

“The Wine Republic is delighted to be here, at the Wine Australia booth. I think it’s just another of the many great activities organised by Wine Australia in China. Out here in China’s west, for us it is really a valuable experience and a way to reach people in the wine business in many other cities; not just the major eastern cities of China, but across a large part of China,” Campbell Thompson, CEO of The Wine Republic, believed.

In addition, on-site tastings were hosted by certified Australian wine educators Terry Xu and Noel Chi during the fair.

“The young and dynamic image of Australian wine presented here also reflects the passion of Australian people. Wine industry insiders in China have already got fundamental knowledge and awareness towards Australian wine, but still they have a strong curiosity because Australian wine always evolves. There is always something new to explore even for wine professionals,” said Terry Xu, founder of Aroma Republic and a certified Australian wine educator.

‘Australia is the fifth largest wine exporting country in the world. We have the best Shiraz in the world. When you hold a glass of Australian wine, you are holding a glass of Australian terroir,’ stated Christopher Lim, Australian Consul General in Chengdu.

(https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2017/03/interest-for-australian-wines-grows-in-chengdu/)