WA WINES TO THE WORLD launches exciting new initiative in the US, targeting US sommeliers nationally.
WA WINES TO THE WORLD has just launched the first ever national sommelier competition in the United States, focused solely on Western Australian wines and wine regions. Engagement with WA producers has been strong, with 14 producers signing up to take part, representing Margaret River, Great Southern and Swan Valley wine regions. Response from US wine industry professionals has been extremely positive with 41 sign-ups within the first 48 hours of launch!
The Western Australian Wine Competition represents an exciting opportunity for WA wine brands currently being distributed in the US. The initiative aims to create demand for WA wines in the world’s largest wine market at the source; with wine buyers and their consumers. Wine service professionals across the US will actively engage in studying WA regional wines to qualify for the competition. Wine trade and consumers will attend the competition finals and have opportunities to taste and buy WA wines. The winner of the competition will spend an immersive week in Margaret River, creating a life-long ambassador for the region and for Western Australia.
The competition program comprises:
• April 8: Launch promotion to US wine professionals.
• June 10: Online theory exam for wine professionals across the US.
• August 25-27: Promotion of WA wines at TEXSOM 2024, the nation’s premier beverage education event held annually in Dallas, Texas.
• August 28: In-person finals in Houston, Texas. This will be an afternoon dedicated to WA wines, incorporating tasting/service portions for 6-12 finalists, a trade masterclass, plus numerous tasting opportunities for trade and consumers, with wines on sale.
The Western Australian Wine Competition is being coordinated by two industry veterans Jane Lopes and Jonathan Ross of Botrytis Consulting – US based Australian wine ambassadors, Master Sommeliers, educators and events management consultants, as well as co-authors of How to Drink Australian (released August 2023 to glowing reviews globally).
They want US wine professionals to love Australian wine as much as they do!
WA WINES TO THE WORLD Program Manager, Liz Mencel, says “We are excited to be involved in this first ever initiative for the US. The overwhelming response from US industry so far speaks volumes about the enthusiasm and anticipation surrounding this competition. We’re fortunate that we can further leverage our involvement in TEXSOM to promote WA wines and the competition itself.”
“We’re optimistic the Western Australian Wine Competition could become an annual competition across the US.”
ENDS
For more information and enquiries:
Refer to the WA WINES TO THE WORLD web page
Contact Program Manager Liz Mencel at [email protected]
About WA WINES TO THE WORLD:
This activation is proudly supported by WA WINES TO THE WORLD; an industry-led Export Growth Partnership coordinated by Wines of WA, co-funded by DPIRD (Dept of Primary Industries and Regional Development).
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