This year’s ADT in Dublin was Ireland’s largest trade tasting of Australian wine to date, with over 250 wines from 21 different regions.
The tasting was held in the impressive RHA Gallery, a contemporary-style art gallery in the centre of Dublin.
Around 120 visitors from across Ireland attended, including buyers and sommeliers from leading restaurants and bars. A number of winery principals also flew in from Australia to pour their wines – Phil Jeffries, Jonathon Hesketh, Justin Fairweather, Chris Pfeiffer, Sue Henderson and Olivia Barry amongst others.
Visitors tasted great classic wines from the likes of Cullen, Clonakilla and Bindi as well as new-wave artisans like Jauma, Ochota Barrels and Gentle Folk.
For the first time at any Australia Day Tasting, Wine Australia showcased a line-up of wines, chosen not by the exhibitors, but by members of the Irish wine trade. We approached eight members of the Irish wine trade, who have visited Australia over the last few years, and asked them to nominate wines that ignited a love for Australian wine or with special significance. The group’s nominations were open to try in the ‘Inspired Tasting’ area and included some wines not seen before in the Irish trade.