Oz Winemakers on Tour - Autumn 2004

There has scarcely been a week go by this autumn without one of Alliance Wine’s Australian producers being in the UK to promote their wines. Our thanks to them for putting up with the often punishing schedules, late nights and early starts. Our and their thanks go to all our customers who made the visits such a success. Our apologies too to all those customers we weren’t able to see; we hope we’ll able to visit you next time!

First was Michael Twelftree from Two Hands Wines in South Australia. These wines wow consumers wherever they are shown and have achieved an amazing reputation in a record time. Michael’s trip to Guernsey must have been one of the shortest on record though – last plane in and first plane out next day with just enough time for an excellent dinner in between times.

Then there was Janice McDonald, owner and winemaker at Stella Bella Wines. Fantastic quality and elegant, stylish wines. The Suckfizzle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon is fast becoming a cult among top UK restaurants and independent wine merchants.

Then Victor Nash winemaker at Plunkett Wines arrived. He showed that the Plunkett wines stand comparison with the best of them with some great cooler climate Shiraz, a unique Gewurztraminer and a superb dry Riesling.

Next came Brian “Prof” Lynn of Majella Wines. An excellent, convivial host and superb wines. There was even the sneak appearance of the much talked about but little seen Sparkling Shiraz. STOP PRESS!!!!!! 80 Dozen cases will be arriving in early 2005.

Last but certainly not least there was Peter Althaus, owner and winemaker of the sensational Domaine A in Tasmania. The many consumers who tried the wines either at one of the events during the time that Peter was touring the UK or at the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter in November came away knowing that they had tasted something very special.

All these visits have gone a long way to build the position of each producer’s wines and to develop the important relationship between the consumer and the winemaker. If you would like to be involved the next time someone is over, let us know.