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Springtime it brings on the wine shows
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Springtime it Brings on the Wine Shows
Someone should write a song about it. We are relying less on the sheep’s back and these days and more on the winemakers feet.
It is easy to be a bit blasé about the multitudes of Gold, Silver and Bronze medals dispensed at these shows. The medals definitely have a commercial value in a value in a very competitive marketplace. But the shows are a valuable resource on many levels.
They allow networking among growers, winemakers, marketers and buyers.
Those with public tastings provide educational opportunities for consumers.
The shows that are held in regional centres contribute to the local hospitality and tourism sectors.
I get to find out which producers are using obscure varieties
Wine shows have long been a feature of this time of the year. The major capitals and and may regions have regular shows. Sometimes these are held in conjunction with local Agricultural Shows. Often these is an opportunity for public tastings and presentation dinners or lunches. Some shows include other activities such as music festivals.
Unfortunately we can’t get to many of these shows this year, but it may be worthwhile checking out the results.
Some of my favourites
Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show
Held the week after the Melbourne Cup at Mildura. To my mind this is the premium wine show. It was the first show to really cater for wines that didn’t fit the traditional mould. Usually about 700 entries, all from non-traditional varieties. Details…
Geographe Wine Show
The Geographe region is the premium area for alternative varieties in Western Australia. The show is held over the weekend of 18 September. Details…
Riverland Wine Show
The Riverland has reinvented itself from being the home of bulk wines and the “Big Cask” int being at the cutting edge of new varieties. This is reflected in their show. More …
Rutherglen Wine Show
There is always something interesting happening in this historic wine region. Details of Rutherglen show are here
Australian Inland Wine Show
This show features some of Australia’s warmer regions. Held in Swan Hill in October - cancelled in 2021
What is your favourite wine show? Leave a comment at the bottom of this newsletter.
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Commercial Break
I love maps. Paper ones, books of road maps etc. But now it’s time to use digital maps. I’ve been the Australian distributor of De Long Wine maps for over a decade now. There are over a dozen available. I have in stock most of the wall maps and can send them to you postage included for much less than you would pay if you ordered them directly.
If you’d like the digital version, please use this link
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Taste and talk program
Due to a monumental stuff up the link I sent last week didn’t work. I blame the software, but maybe Mr Zoom thinks it was my fault.
Apologies for that. We will try again on this Thursday. I’ll post a new link and send a note about the meeting on here.
Meeting 5.30pm Thursday afternoon
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New Pages on Vinodiversity
These pages on the website have been recently updated.
Gippsland and Mornington Peninsula wine regions
Cabernet Franc, Mencia, Grenache, Muller Thurgau, Carignan and Touriga varieties. Check them out via the Vinodiversity news page.
Let me know if there are any errors or omissions please.
Your turn
I’d love to hear what you think about this new format, or any other comments, but remember whatever you say will be seen by everyone so keep it nice.