UK and Ireland trade are invited to get a taste of Australia’s diverse and thrilling wine scene at the Australia and New Zealand Trade Tasting 2026 in London (27 January), Edinburgh (29 January) or Dublin (3 February) and six lucky winners will experience it first-hand on a two week trip.
Wine Australia is offering sommeliers, on-trade buyers and independent off-trade buyers based in the UK and Ireland the chance to win a trade trip to Australia in October/November 2026. Simply attending the trade tasting in London, Edinburgh or Dublin completes one of the criteria for entry. The second part of entry is a written response to two questions: what is the opportunity for Australian wine in your business, and how would you utilise a visit to Australia to raise the profile of Australian wine?
Sommeliers, on-trade buyers and independent off-trade buyers can sign up to attend the trade tasting now and must submit their entry online by 20 February 2026. The entry requirements and more details about the competition are on the Australian Wine website.
Laura Jewell MW, Wine Australia Regional General Manager UK/EMEA, said the competition is a new initiative to attract the on-trade and independent off-trade to the tastings and to the Australian wine category.
“Restaurants, bars and independent merchants play a key role in encouraging consumers to try new wines and helping them to explore the incredible quality and diversity of premium Australian wine. By reminding sommeliers and buyers about our vibrant Australian wine scene, we can build understanding, affinity, and preference for Australian wine.”
The prize is a two week trade trip to Australia, hosted by Wine Australia, and it will cover multiple regions and an array of food, wine and tourism experiences. Laura Jewell MW added:
“Come along in the new year to taste some wines, meet Aussie winemakers and be in with a chance to win this fantastic trip to Australia. We can’t wait to showcase our exceptional wine and food offering, the adventurous spirit of our people and natural wonder of our lands.”
The Australia and New Zealand Trade Tasting 2026, a collaboration between Wine Australia and New Zealand Winegrowers, takes place at Lindley Hall in London on 27 January 2026, The Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh on 29 January 2026, and The Alex Hotel in Dublin on 3 February 2026. Across the roadshow, there will be more than 1,000 wines from 200 wineries in Australia and New Zealand.
London – Tuesday 27 January 2026, 10.00 – 17.00
Lindley Hall, Royal Horticultural Halls, Elverton Street, London, SW1P 2QW
More information and register here
Edinburgh – Thursday 29 February 2026, 11.00 – 17.00
Sheraton Grand Hotel, 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh, EH3 9SR
More information and register here
Dublin – Tuesday 3 February 2026, 12.00 – 17.00
The Alex Hotel, 41 - 47 Fenian Street, Dublin
More information here and email jean@jeansmullen.com to attend.
For media enquiries please contact
About Wine Australia
Wine Australia empowers the success of the Australian wine sector through Research, Innovation and Adoption to enhance global competitiveness and meet the challenges of tomorrow, today; Market Development to increase the demand and premium paid for Australian wine; and Regulatory Services to safeguard Australian wine’s integrity and uphold the sector’s reputation.
Wine Australia is funded by the sector, for the sector, through grapegrower, winemaker and exporter levies and user-pays charges, with matching funds from the Australian Government for research and innovation. Established under the Wine Australia Act 2013, it is a Commonwealth Government statutory authority.