A lesson in Australian wine for international students

More than 150 international university students studying in Adelaide experienced a taste of Australia on Wednesday (16 August) at the Australian Wine Showcase 2017, held at the National Wine Centre of Australia.

The seventh annual Australian Wine Showcase was a collaborative event, with Wine Australia, Study Adelaide, the National Wine Education and Training Centre and National Wine Centre of Australia introducing the students to an impressive range of Australian wine and familiarising students with producers from more than 20 Australian wine regions.

Wine Australia Head of Market, Asia Pacific, Hiro Tejima, said the Australian Wine Showcase was an interactive opportunity for students from across the world to taste wines from different Australian wine regions, in their host city.

‘International students to Australia are curious about all aspects of life in their host country, including its food and wine culture. We hope that the Showcase inspires the students to learn more about our wine regions and to share their appreciation for our wines with their families and friends,’ Mr Tejima said.

Study Adelaide Chief Executive, Karyn Kent, said the students greatly valued the opportunity to learn about Australian wine in a fun, yet safe and responsible environment.

‘Access to great food and wine is one of the best things about living in Adelaide. We’re pleased to partner with Wine Australia on the Australian Wine Showcase 2017, as it’s a great way to introduce this special part of the Adelaide lifestyle to international students in a fun, informative and responsible way. It is our hope that the Showcase will develop their appreciation for Australian wine and create a lifelong connection with and passion for the state.’

Claire Wald from the National Wine Education and Training Centre – the educational arm of the South Australian Wine Industry Association – said education is key to developing a consumer’s palate.

‘One of the things we love about wine education is sharing our passion for Australian wines, wine regions and wine making techniques and seeing that passion grow in students,’ Ms Wald said.

‘We find that as we teach people the love, the hard work and the technique that goes into each bottle their appreciation for the product really grows. The best part is knowing that we have helped students to make better informed – and maybe more out of the ordinary – choices when looking at a restaurant wine list or walking the aisles of a bottle shop.’

At the free event, students discovered wines from more than 20 regions across Australia, including classic Australian wine styles and alternative varieties such as Fiano, Vermentino and Nebbiolo.

The international students attending this year’s Australian Wine Showcase were from 30 different countries including from some of Australia’s largest wine export markets, such as China where Australian wine exports increased in value by 44 per cent to $607 million in the 12 months to the end of June 2017.