By JESSE GRAHAM
YARRA Valley wines were front and centre when some of Australia’s top sommeliers visited the area last week, tasting the premium produce on offer.
Sommeliers from all over the country converged on the valley on Tuesday 17 June for a tour that included stops in vineyards and cellar doors across the upper and lower Yarra Valley.
Max Hart, Lyndon Stenning, David Bicknell, Gabrielle Fittler, Kent Comely, Hugo Delevove and Will Godsall-Smith were some of the sommeliers taking part in the tour, which was organised by Wine Australia and Wine Yarra Valley.
The visit was organised as part of Wine Australia’s Sommelier Immersion Program, which allows sommeliers to see vineyards and wine regions first-hand, to improve their understanding of different drops.
Wine Yarra Valley CEO Richard Howden said the visit was a great opportunity to advertise the Yarra Valley’s premium wines and produce to some of the most prominent sommeliers and restaurants in the country.
“Being able to get people into the Yarra Valley and kicking the dirt is really important,” he said.
“This morning, when they got out and when you wind your way through the forest … and there’s beautiful views of Donna Buang and the Yarra Valley, you talk about what’s special about the fruit from the valley and they start to get it.
“To see what’s behind it is really important.”
Mr Howden said that the sommeliers, who visited Innocent Bystander, Punt Road Wines, Oakridge Winery and De Bortoli, among other venues, would have a say in stocking Yarra Valley wines further abroad.
Wine Australia Regional Director, Aaron Brasher, said the visit could allow for more local wines to feature in prestigious restaurants Australia-wide.
“These visitors are crucial in influencing consumers’ purchasing decisions in Australian wine bars and restaurants,” Mr Brasher said.
“We will continue to provide opportunities through initiatives such as these to increase their exposure to the quality and diversity of the Australian wine offering.”
