Attend Vinexpo Hong Kong 2018

Presented by

Presented by James March, Chief Executive, Barossa Grape and Wine Association (BGWA) and Ling Cheong, Assistant General Manager, AWSEC

For over forty years the Barossa Wine Show has been a key element in building best practice winemaking and wine quality in the Barossa.  This masterclass highlights the diversity of the Barossa’s rare and distinguished wine offer, through these trophy winning wines from the 2017 show.

Where: Australian Wine Master Class Area  STAND No: BC – 70 LEVEL No: 1

Presented by

Phil Reedman MW and Mark Davidson, Head of Education, Americas, Wine Australia

The challenges of growing and vinifying high-quality Pinot Noir are well documented. Site and climate play a crucial role in shaping character, but these are just two of the numerous variables at play. 

It appears certain that the very best Pinot Noir wines are influenced by the cooling effect of either elevation or ocean breezes, but this alone is no guarantee of quality - fanatical attention to detail in the vineyard and winery are required. Phil Reedman, MW and Wine Australia’s Education Manager Mark Davidson have selected a stellar line-up of wines for this landmark tasting. A range of wines which showcase the character and quality of the most exciting regions and the finest producers of Australian Pinot Noir.

Where: Wine Australia Academy Room,Tasting Lab: N109-110 LEVEL No: 1

Presented by

Presented by Jeremy Oliver, Australian Wine Writer, Presenter and Educator

Coonawarra and Cabernet were made for each other and this combination is made for your cellar. Its limestone-based soils and proximity to the Southern Ocean give Coonawarra natural advantages envied by Cabernet growers around the world. They facilitate the making of elegant medium to full-bodied Cabernet-based reds of longevity and complexity – the choice of wine collectors everywhere.

Where: Australian Wine Master Class Area  STAND No: BC – 70 LEVEL No: 1

Presented by

Presented by Phil Reedman MW

Hosted by Master of Wine, Phil Reedman, this session delves into an underappreciated but important topic: the cellar-worthiness of white wines from Australia. 

The ability of a wine to mature for ten years or more is frequently cited as a criterion of Greatness. Can Australian white wines achieve this benchmark?  This tasting, featuring current vintage wines compared with a cellared version of the same wine will provide the answer. This tasting provides a unique opportunity to track the development curve through the lens of two classic Australian white wine styles: Hunter Valley Semillon and Nagambie Lakes Marsanne.

Where: Australian Wine Master Class Area STAND No: BC – 70 LEVEL No: 1

Presented by

Presented by Andrew Caillard MW

Australia’s 19th century colonial vine stock heritage is one of the most fascinating stories in the world of wine. Before the spread of phylloxera into Europe during the 1850s, Australia’s early settlers collected grape vines in the form or seeds and cuttings from their travels through Spain, France and Italy. Many early Australian vines can be traced back to Madiera, Rio de Janiero and the Cape of Good Hope. 

Through the prism of Langton’s Classification of Australian wine, Andrew Caillard, MW will discuss the rich history of Australia’s classic grape varieties, the transmission of colonial vine stock material and the development of a truly brilliant Australian wine aesthetic. Through generations of effort, hardships, visions and luck, Australia’s fine wine scene offers a unique, evocative and unparalleled experience. The tasting comprises many of Australia’s great wines of the 21st century, and illustrates the enduring quality and identity of the country’s wine regions and distinctive house styles."

Where: Academy Room Tasting Lab: N109-110 LEVEL No: 1

Presented by

Presented by Corinne Mui, Senior Wine Educator, AWSEC, Hong Kong

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of Australian wine’s remarkable success stories, with original vines arriving in the mid 1800’s. Over the years, Cabernet Sauvignon has become an essential part of Australian wine heritage, highlighting regionality and varietal qualities as a single variety, but also being an important blending component. 

This master class, presented by Corinne Mui, Senior Wine Educator AWSEC Hong Kong, will provide a snapshot of the elegance, character and charm of top quality Cabernet Sauvignon grown in four distinct Australian wine regions with varying climates. Each of the wines that will be tasted are from winemakers who have taken Australian Cabernet Sauvignon to the new level, creating a premium wine, that would be an asset to any collector’s long-term collection.

Where: Australian Wine Master Class Area STAND No: BC – 70 LEVEL No: 1

Presented by

Rachel Triggs, General Counsel at Wine Australia

Australia’s wine regulatory system is world class. Wine Australia’s label integrity program and strict export controls underpin the system and ensure that wine exported from Australia is authentic.  

Recent changes to the regulations have strengthened Wine Australia’s ability to prevent the export of ‘copycat’ wine brands and to cancel licences where wine is exported from Australia that has the potential to undermine the integrity of Australia’s wine export industry. This conference will provide an overview of the Australian wine regulatory system and explain the recent changes to the export controls.

Where: The Cellar Room, Level 3

Presented by

Presented by Yvonne Cheung, Director of Restaurants, Swire Hotels, Hong Kong

Discover the Unique Terroir created by the change in elevation on Cool Climate Chardonnay from Orange. Explore the unique characters of this variety as the elevation of the region moves from 600 to 1100 metres above sea level.

Where: Australian Wine Master Class Area  STAND No: BC – 70 LEVEL No: 1

Presented by

Presented by Dr. Brian Croser AO, Winemaker, Fongyee Walker MW, Andrew Caillard MW & Phil Reedman MW

Australia’s pioneer vignerons of the 19th century were intent on selecting distinguished sites for vineyards and matching variety to environment well before the word terroir entered the fine wine lexicon. These days, the concept of terroir is a much-debated topic.

This special tasting revisits some of those 19th century sites as well as exploring distinguished site vineyards in Australian wine regions established and re-established since 1960, demonstrating and explaining why they are distinguished sites for their chosen variety. Winemaker Brian Croser, AO will lead this discussion joined by Phil Reedman, MW, Andrew Caillard, MW and Fongyee Walker, MW. Each panellist has selected two wines to showcase the diversity, character and quality of site specific Australian wines.

Where: Academy Room Tasting Lab: N109-110 LEVEL No: 1

Presented by

Presented by Phil Reedman MW

Australia is renowned globally for its wines made from classic, typically French, grape varieties. In the last two decades however, we’ve seen increased plantings of an array of new-to-Australia varieties. Phil Reedman MW, a long-time advocate of these so-called ‘alternative varieties’ will lead a fascinating discussion and tasting to highlight the emerging stars of the Australian viticultural landscape. 

From the coolest regions to the warmest regions, Australia’s vignerons have seized the opportunity to grow and vinify these alternative varieties. What motivates vignerons to pursue excellence with these varieties varies from seeking out a variety which offers some degree of climate change proofing, to the pure curiosity to see what a variety will produce when grown in an Australian region with a similar climate to its native region.  This masterclass promises to give you a glimpse of Australia’s wine future.

Where: Australian Wine Master Class Area STAND No: BC – 70 LEVEL No: 1

Presented by

Presented by Corinne Mui, Senior Wine Educator, AWSEC, Hong Kong & Fongyee Walker MW

Australia is home to the oldest Grenache vines on the planet, but Grenache has historically taken a back seat to other varieties.  This master class will look at the history and evolving reputation of varietal Grenache in Australia. 

Grenache forms the backbone of classic red blends, partnering beautifully with Shiraz and Mourvedre and is one of the main varieties used for classic fortified wines and of course a standalone variety for delicious Rose wines. Corinne Mui, Senior Wine Educator AWSEC from Hong Kong and Fongyee Walker, MW will lead the conversation in this master class and concentrate on classic Grenache wine growing regions in Australia, including the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Clare Valley. They will also discuss why Grenache is a variety that most faithfully expresses terroir and captures the unique combination of country, climate and culture in a glass, as well as what’s trending right now.

Where: Academy Room Tasting Lab: N109-110 LEVEL No: 1

Presented by

AFFW family members and Mark Davidson, Head of Education, Americas, Wine Australia

The Australian First Families of Wine bring together the oldest Australian family owned, multi-generational wineries, who between them, have over 1380 years of winemaking experience across 48 generations. Together they share history, passion and provenance as custodians of some of the most iconic vineyards in the world.

Australia’s First Families of Wine will be unlocking their cellars to share their aged family jewels in this master class, which is being presented for the first time outside of Australia. Presented by a panel featuring the families themselves, from a mix of generations, each will present their specially chosen wine from their own cellars, giving guests an opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most recognised names to experience their most respected and revered wines. Hear the stories of success behind these iconic wines that have created the benchmark for Australian quality.

Where: Conference Room, LEVEL 1, N101B

Presented by

Rob Dolan, Managing Director/ Winemaker, Rob Dolan Wines; Charles Smedley, Winemaker, Mandala Wines; Ben Portet, Winemaker, Dominique Portet; and Jeannie Howe, General Manager, Elmswood Estate

Historically, Cabernet Sauvignon was the most important variety in the Yarra Valley, harking back to the 1830s when grapes were first planted by the pioneers of Yarra Valley wine. While Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have eclipsed Cabernet Sauvignon in popularity over the last 20 years, Cabernet Sauvignon is making a comeback and is appreciated by those seeking wine with elegance and finesse. Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is internationally recognised offering wines of pedigree, reflecting the belief of iconic wineries like Yarra Yering, Mount Mary and Yeringberg who planted this variety over 50 years ago. The more modern style of Cabernet is a wine of approachability at a younger age yet still with the power to age for many years.

Where: Australian Wine Master Class Area  STAND No: BC – 70 LEVEL No: 1

Presented by

Wes Pearson, Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI)

Grenache is fast-becoming McLaren Vale’s most iconic variety. Passionate winemakers continue to produce highly-awarded Grenache wines that showcase the region’s climate, ancient soils and historic old vines with richness, aroma and vibrancy. Explore McLaren Vale’s climatic diversity through its premium internationally-recognised Grenache in a master class led by Senior Scientist and proud McLaren Vale winemaker, Wes Pearson.

Where: Australian Wine Master Class Area  STAND No: BC – 70 LEVEL No: 1

Presented by

Corinne Mui, Senior Wine Educator, AWSEC, Hong Kong and Yang Lu, MS

Corinne Mui, AWSEC Senior Educator from Hong Kong and Yang Lu, the world’s first and only Chinese Master Sommelier will present a fun and adventurous Grenache and Pork Bun lunch tasting not to be missed by foodies and Grenache lovers. 

The aim of this master class is to demonstrate the gastronomic profile and flexibility of Australian Grenache hosted by two well-known Hong Kong based wine professionals. Discover Australian Grenache and Grenache blends that have a real brightness, purity of fruit and finesse from minimal intervention winemaking, which can be perfectly matched with Asian style cuisine such as Pork Buns.

Where: Academy Room Tasting Lab: N109-110 LEVEL No: 1

Presented by

Ian Ford, Founding Partner at Nimbility; Edouard Duval, CEO and co-founder of the East Meets West Fine Wines (EMW); Andreas Clark, CEO at Wine Australia; Peter Dixon, Managing Director Asia, MEA & Global Travel Retail - Treasury Wine Estates; Chuan Zhou, Research Director at Wine Intelligence.

Growing affluence across many parts of Asia - especially within the Chinese middle class; the dramatic growth in interest in diverse wine styles; and the increasing importance of addressing consumer demands are creating exciting opportunities for wine in Asia. To reflect on consumer trends and how major brand owners and distributors have adapted for the future, Wine Australia has assembled a panel of experts to discuss what is taking place in the market and what has already been done to begin to address rapidly evolving consumer expectations. Moderated by Ian Ford (Nimbility, Founding Partner), the panel will include Wine Australia CEO, Andreas Clark, Chuan Zhou – Research Director at Wine Intelligence; Peter Dixon – Managing Director for Asia, Middle East, Africa and Global Travel Retail at Treasury Wine Estates; and Edouard Duval – CEO and Founder of East Meets West. As well as hearing what has been done, there will be a unique opportunity to understand their insights for the future of this dynamic part of the wine world. This discussion will stimulate further thoughts for brand development and distribution strategies across Asia.

Where: Conference Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Presented by

Presented by Amanda Longworth, Brand Strategy Manager, Barossa Grape and Wine Association (BGWA) and Ling Cheong, Assistant General Manager, AWSEC

An exploration of the interpretation of four different Barossa winemakers on the same Grenache sourced grapes from the high altitude Stonegarden. A single vineyard, which is one of the oldest vineyards in Eden Valley, planted in the 1850s.

Where: Australian Wine Master Class Area  STAND No: BC – 70 LEVEL No: 1

Presented by

Presented by Tim Lovett, Winemaker, Leeuwin Estate and Fongyee Walker MW

Margaret River – Indian vs. Southern Ocean: The unique position of Margaret River, an iconic Chardonnay region

The influence from the Southern Ocean to the south and Indian Ocean to the north and west on the Margaret River vineyards is dramatic. In addition to the maritime influence, this master class will provide a comprehensive look at the region’s Chardonnay story, from ancient soils, modern history and unique Gin Gin clone, which all contribute to the region producing world-class Chardonnay. Join Leeuwin Estate winemaker, Tim Lovett and wine educator, Fongyee Walker MW will as they guide the discussion and tasting of Chardonnay from Clairault Estate, Vasse Felix, McHenry Hohnen, Cape Mentelle and Leeuwin Estate.

Where: Australian Wine Master Class Area  STAND No: BC – 70 LEVEL No: 1

Presented by

Presented by Jeremy Oliver, Australian Wine Writer, Presenter & Educator

Australia has been making blends of the southern Rhône varieties of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre for generations. Over the decades, growers and makers evolved a sumptuous and profoundly ripened expression of this blend, typically from Australia’s warmer regions and more specifically from South Australia’s Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. Yet Grenache remains something of an enigma in Australian wine.

Led by David Powell who was inspired by the more complex and savoury red wines of the Rhône, several Barossa makers took the Australian variant of this blend down an entirely new direction around twenty years ago. Seeking gentler textures, more perfume and reductive, charcuterie-like complexity, these makers began to craft the wines that today are still considered at the cutting edge of Australia’s ‘GSM’ blends.  Today this blend has even ventured into several cooler regions.

In a tasting that explores the role of Grenache with other red varieties and illustrates the evolution of its blending in Australia with Shiraz and Mourvèdre, Jeremy Oliver introduces a combination of cutting edge and classic Australian wines, each with a point of difference and a story to tell.

Where: Academy Room Tasting Lab: N109-110 LEVEL No: 1

Presented by

Vinexpo

The Blend is the official networking party for all attendees at Vinexpo Hong Kong 2018. Held in the Grand Foyer of the Hong Kong Convention Centre, Australia as the Country of Honour will take centre stage with an immersive Australian experience presenting exceptional Australian wines. There are four wine bars at The Blend, each with an iconic Aussie theme 1. Classic country – wines enjoyed in a classic country setting; 2. Urban - interesting and alternative varieties found in funky city wine bars; 3. - Coastal wines made for drinking by the beach; 4. Red Centre - Australia’s great red wines.

Where: Level 3, Grand Foyer, HKCEC

Presented by

Presented by Yvonne Cheung, Director of Restaurants, Swire Hotels, Hong Kong

Discover the unique terroir created by the change in elevation on Cool Climate Shiraz from Orange.  Explore the unique character of this variety as the elevation of the region moves from 600 to 1100 metres above sea level.

Where: Australian Wine Master Class Area  STAND No: BC – 70 LEVEL No: 1

Presented by

Presented by: Wes Pearson, Senior Scientist, AWRI and Dr John Blackman, Charles Sturt University

The Shiraz Terroir Research Project is research collaboration between Australia’s National Wine and Grape Industry Centre (NWGIC), Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI), funded by Wine Australia. 

The project aims to define the sensory properties of Shiraz / Syrah wines from different regions across Australia. Having already been held in Melbourne and New York, this benchmarking blind tasting looks for correlations between the sensory properties of a relatively large and diverse set of Australian Shiraz wines, their chemical profiles and the climatic regions from which the grapes are sourced. 

The tasting will enable sommeliers and other wine trade to characterise a selection of Australian Shiraz using a novel rapid comparative evaluation method called Pivot©Profile.

Where: Academy Room Tasting Lab: N109-110 LEVEL No: 1

Presented by

Presented by Jennifer Lynch, McLaren Vale Grape, Wine and Tourism Association General Manager

McLaren Vale is fortunate to enjoy a mild, Mediterranean climate – with the influence of the Southern Ocean on our region’s vineyards, it’s the perfect combination of sun, soil and passionate experimental winemakers that produce wines from varieties that are synonymous with our Mediterranean neighbours.

Where: Australian Wine Master Class Area  STAND No: BC – 70 LEVEL No: 1

Presented by

Presented by: Corrina Wright, Winemaker/Director, Oliver’s Taranga; Christie Schulz, Proprietor, Turkey Flat Vineyards; Corinne Mui, Senior Wine Educator, AWSEC

Australia is home to the some of the oldest vines in the world, which form the backbone of many iconic wines. New varieties and clones are being planted in many regions and are creating an exciting tapestry of flavours, textures and styles. 

This Old Vines, Young Vines, New Wines master class, presented by winemaker’s Corinna Wright from Oliver’s Taranga and Christie Schultz from Turkey Flat will compare old and young vines. Both winemakers will share their personal stories and experiences identifying climatic and clonal selections, understanding vine age and the impact this has on viticultural and winemaking. This master class will be moderated by Corinne Mui, Senior Wine Educator from AWSEC Hong Kong.

Where: Academy Room Tasting Lab: N109-110 LEVEL No: 1

Presented by

Tim Lovett, Winemaker, Leeuwin Estate

Having just celebrated 50 years, Margaret River is a relatively young in terms of wine history but the region is one of the oldest in the world with ancient soils and unique biodiversity. The oceans to the north, west and south and the Leeuwin-Naturaliste ridge to the east provide a pristine environment and perfect winemaking ‘island’. This master class will provide a comprehensive look at the region’s Cabernet Sauvignon story, from the soils, maritime influence and unique Houghton clone, all which contribute to the region producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Discover the unique Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon identity of elegance, balance and graceful age-ability that places Margaret River on the world stage of exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. This unique identity will be contrasted with the region’s site diversity through the tasting and discussion of Cabernet Sauvignon from Deep Woods, Vasse Felix, Evans & Tate, Voyager Estate and Leeuwin Estate.

Where: Australian Wine Master Class Area  STAND No: BC – 70 LEVEL No: 1

Presented by

Presented by Jeremy Oliver, Australian Wine Writer, Presenter and Educator

While Australia has a long and illustrious history of blending wines within and between regions, it’s not well known that most high-end Australian wines come from single vineyards. Coonawarra is no exception to this and is home to a significant number of single estate wines. Come and taste a range of special single vineyard and sub-regional wines from the home of the definitive Australian Cabernet.

Where: Australian Wine Master Class Area  STAND No: BC – 70 LEVEL No: 1

Presented by

Presented by Meg Brodtmann MW, Helen & Joey Estate; Franco D’Anna, Winemaker, Hoddles Creek Estate; Steve Flamsteed, Winemaker, Giant steps; Danny Kane, General Manager, Oakridge Wines; Darren De Bortoli, Managing Director, De Bortoli Wines

One could argue that the Yarra Valley is the epicentre of Australian Pinot Noir and deservedly so. The Yarra Valley is blessed with a cooler climate and differing soil types that allow Pinot Noir to express itself in many different ways. Winemakers have been on a quest to allow individual expressions of Pinot Noir, which lovers of this variety have been quick to embrace. An excellent food wine, that matches so well with pork and duck (including Asian inspired dishes like Peking Duck), makes it a popular wine in restaurants too. Don’t let the softer colour of Pinot Noir fool you; these are serious wines of purity, detail and power with a layered complexity that age so beautifully.

Where: Australian Wine Master Class Area  STAND No: BC – 70 LEVEL No: 1

Presented by

Presented by: Corinne Mui, Senior Wine Educator, AWSEC

Australia has a rich and long legacy of fortified wine production dating back to the establishment of the original settlements. The unique fortified wine styles were the backbone of the Australian wine sector, which are still celebrated today. Australia produces the world’s finest Muscat, Topaque, Vintage and Tawny fortified wines, while some draw comparisons, Rutherglen Muscat and Topaque are unique and have no equal. 

Corinne Mui, Senior Wine Educator from AWSEC Hong Kong, will lead an informative discussion on the history and development of some of Australia’s most iconic and historic wines. This tasting will feature fortified wines from Australia’s traditional warmer climate areas, which are more suited to the richness and ripeness required to make classic Fortified wines and will explore some key points to success, which have contributed to Australian fortified wines winning international awards since 1870. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Australian wineries and winemakers who have put their stamp on Australian Classic fortified wines and to understand why age is so important and maintaining freshness and vitality in the wine is critical.

Where: Academy Room Tasting Lab: N109-110 LEVEL No: 1"