REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT:
REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT: AUSTRALIA Hunter Valley sunrise aerial © Kimberley Low - Wine Australia COONAWARRA VIGNERONS AT VINEXPO HONG KONG Biggest Ever Wine Showcase from Down Under 151 exhibitors from Australia as “Country of Honour” at Vinexpo Hong Kong 2018 Australia’s largest-ever showcase of 151 exhibitors representing over 35 wine regions is headlining Vinexpo Hong Kong 2018, with the support of the Australian Government’s million Export and Regional Wine Support Package. With a five-fold increase in floor space for Australian wine compared to Vinexpo Hong Kong 2016, this year’s record presence is being complemented with a series of 26 master classes conducted by some of the top experts in Australian wine. Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Anne Ruston said, “There’s a real excitement and momentum building for this year’s Vinexpo Hong Kong. With the support of the m Package, Wine Australia is working hard to ensure Australia’s presence as the Country of Honour is big, bold and full of impact, so that the Chinese demand for Australian wine continues to grow” Level 1 / Entrance D Luke and Rebecca Trotter (left of picture) have come to Vinexpo in Hong Kong to showcase their wines from The Blok Estate Coonawarra Coonawarra Vignerons is excited to be one of 51 Australian Wine regions showcasing at Vinexpo Hong Kong this year. Seven Coonawarra wineries have travelled to Hong Kong to feature at the event. Coonawarra Vignerons Executive Officer, Olivia Nunn, is accompanying the wineries featuring at the event and is excited about the opportunities the event provides, “Vinexpo is a fantastic platform for all seven wineries to showcase their wine internationally. In addition to the regional bar presence, Coonawarra will be presenting two masterclasses hosted by Jeremy Oliver. These masterclasses will introduce Coonawarra’s classic combination for cellaring and our single vineyard estates, with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon,” Ms Nunn said Level 1 / Stand DE-74 - B27 PHILIP SHAW BACK @ VINEXPO Renowned Australian winemaker Philip Shaw is back for the 2018 event, this time underpinned by a more general promotion of wines from the Orange region of New South Wales. Shaw’s search for an Australian region capable of making classic wines with elegance, depth and bright fruit came to rest in 1988 when he discovered the undulating hills of the high-altitude, cool-climate region of Orange. Philip Shaw Wines are sourced entirely from Shaw’s 47 hectare Koomooloo Vineyard. Purchased in 1988 and planted in 1989 on red loam over limestone, this cool climate vineyard rises to an altitude of 900m. This immaculately tended vineyard has already produced the ”Prix D’Excellence” Chardonnay at the 1998 Vinexpo in Bordeaux and the “Best Red Wine” at the 2002 National Wine Show in Canberra. The fruit from Koomooloo has clearly defined varietal character that displays elegance, power, and length. The Orange wine region is uniquely classified by both geographical and altitudinal boundaries. Located approximately 260km west of Sydney on the slopes of Philip Shaw TASMANIAN WINES ARRIVE AT VINEXPO HONG KONG A first at Vinexpo Hong Kong – Tasmanian wines from Terra Verde – new to the market. The brand is based on “Pure adventure: wild, pristine and natural”. On the market since October with a Sauvignon Blanc and a Pinot Noir, the manufacturer claims to “believe passionately in the provenance and unique qualities of Tasmania, its people and its produce. Our pristine, clean and beautiful natural environment defines our unique sense of place in the world. Sophisticated wines from an amazing place” Level 1 / Stand CD-72 - C7 the Great Dividing Range, the Orange Geographical Indication (GI) begins at 600 meters with vineyards planted as high as 1,100 meters. Due to the high elevation, the climate of the Orange wine region is one of the coolest in Australia. A special conference session will be dedicated to the Orange region at 4pm today in the Australian Wine Master Class Area Level 1 / Stand BC-70 - D3 14 VINEXPO DAILY / DAY 1 / TUESDAY 29 TH MAY 2018
© Chensiyuan HOSPITALITY / RESTAURANTS / BARS WHERE TO GO IN Hong Kong CLUBS / EVENTS / SHOPPING / CULTURE Hong Kong – Going from Strength to Strength as a Global MICE Hub What are the key assets of HK as a business destination and how is business tourism developing in Hong Kong? We put the question to Anthony Lau, Executive Director, Hong Kong Tourism Board. Anthony Lau Executive Director, Hong Kong Tourism Board With its strategic location, safe and business friendly environment, visa-free policy for visitors from over 170 countries and regions, and superb aviation connectivity with the region’s key financial markets, Hong Kong is recognised as the world’s premier Meetings, Incentive, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) destination and business hub of Asia. Last year, we welcomed close to 2-million MICE visitors to Hong Kong, representing a 2% increase from the previous year. This year is the 20th anniversary of Vinexpo in Hong Kong. What are your thoughts on this show? With regards to the wine and spirits business, Hong Kong was the first duty-free wine port among major economies when all wine duties were removed in 2008, and since then, we have managed to maintain our position as one of the largest wine auction centres in the world. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Vinexpo. Since its inception in 1998, the premier wine and spirits event has become one of the most influential trade exhibitions in Asia-Pacific. The HKTB is pleased to offer our support again this year as an event partner on this remarkable occasion. We specially built a “Hong Kong Tea House” booth for all visitors attending the event to taste some of the city’s traditional treats, including egg tarts and milk tea, and to discover some of the diverse authentic experiences Hong Kong has to offer. What can we expect in the coming year, or what could change the face of tourism here? Before the end of this year, we will see the completion and commencement of operations of two major infrastructure projects – the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge and the Express Rail Link Hong Kong Section – which will put Hong Kong within one hour’s reach of the fast-developing Greater Bay Area and connected with the 20,000 kmlong national high-speed rail network, which covers most major mainland cities. These exciting developments will further strengthen Hong Kong’s unrivalled position as the super-connector to the high-growth Mainland China market and reinforce the city’s edge as the premier business hub in Asia. The HKTB will continue to build on Hong Kong’s strengths and work closely with our trade partners to fuel the further growth of the MICE business of Hong Kong. vinexpodaily.com VINEXPO DAILY / DAY 1 / TUESDAY 29 TH MAY 2018 15
