Quebec New to Market Wine Tasting 2023

Showcase your wines at the New to Market Wine Tasting in Quebec

Wine Australia is working with the SAQ in Quebec to help source new to market wine offerings that align with their requested selection criteria. This is a fantastic opportunity for wineries to showcase wines that meet those parameters, and potentially secure orders from the SAQ and / or representation by Quebec agents. This opportunity is only for wineries that do not currently have representation in Quebec.  

Quebec is the largest market by volume for Australian wine in Canada, with Australian wines representing approximately 10% market share within the total wine category in the province, however Australian wine sales are in decline. The SAQ category management team has worked closely with Wine Australia to share the direction they plan to take the category moving forward. This includes expanding the offering of sustainable, organic and natural wines to meet growing consumer demand. The SAQ’s most recent assortment plan outlines the parameters for new wine submissions from Australia, and this includes: 

1. Cool climate
2. Organic or biodynamic
3. Orange and natural wines
4. Fresh, light to medium bodied
5. Target retail price $18-$35
6. New brands or producers
7. Volumes for general list or continuous supply
8. Diversity of varieties
9. Wines that speak to younger consumers

If you have wines that meet these criteria and are interested in having them included in the new to market tasting, please complete the EOI submission form below. Wines will be tasted by the SAQ team, while agents and importers will be invited to taste through the selection to discover new wines to add to their portfolios. 

The tasting will be held in Montreal on 6 February 2023. Wineries will be responsible for paying the delivery fees to Quebec (air freight) and the cost of customs clearance (assume $50 per bottle). There will be a maximum of two SKUS per winery, and two bottles of each participating SKU will be required for the tasting. 

We will also host an invite-only seminar for key trade before the walkaround tasting – if you would like your wines considered for the seminar, please indicate that on the EOI form. An additional two sample bottles will be required for seminar participation. 

Expressions of interest have now closed. Wineries were notified if their wines have been selected by December 9.