The largest congregation of South Australian food and drink trade to take place in New Zealand was held at the exclusive Glasshouse venue in Auckland yesterday.
More than 30 highly acclaimed South Australian wine, food, and spirits producers headed to ‘Tasting South Australia’ to showcase the best that the region has to offer.
Spokesperson for the event, Tony Love, esteemed wine journalist, educator, wine judge, and official patron of the South Australian Wine Ambassadors Club, noted that South Australia’s wine makers are among the most innovative in the world, creating world-class styles from its famed traditional varieties like Shiraz, Cabernet, and Grenache, and now forging a new generation of wines from a wide range of regionally adaptive and climate-suitable Mediterranean and Iberian varieties.
The fluid nature of wine making, being a living product, and the ability of wine makers to adapt and evolve is something other sectors could learn from.
“Wine makers and growers in general are at the forefront of sustainability and innovation in regard to the environment because they live it day-to-day, month-to-month, and year-to-year,” explained Love.
Sean Connolly and Tony Love
“The awareness younger generations have of environmental factors and the importance of regenerative farming practises is strengthening the industry. The ongoing conversation around these issue can only change things for the better.
“I’m really proud to celebrate our impressive history and introduce guests to the exciting future of South Australian wine.”
One of Australia and New Zealand’s most recognised chefs and restaurateurs, Sean Connolly, was on hand to introduce the wine, food, and spirits.
“I am thrilled to be the Ambassador for Tasting South Australia,” said Connolly.
“I’m excited about the buzz that’s starting to build in hospitality again. Businesses are responding to customers who are keen to get out and about after being cooped up for so long. South Australia truly is an epicentre for brilliant produce in Australia.”
From certified organic Rosés, sweet sparkling blends, an aromatic, Juniper-forward gin and historic, single vineyard varieties to Kangaroo meat and sustainability cultured abalone. This was an event that was truly ruled by flavour.
Check out the full list of exhibitors below and stay tuned for upcoming profiles on some of South Australia’s best producers.
Wine:
Bleasdale Vineyards
Dandelion Vineyards and Sister’s Run
Dowie Doole
Gemtree Wines
Haselgrove Wines
Knappstein Wines
Levrier Wines by Jo Irvine
Mallee Estate
Metala Wines
Ministry of Clouds
Mitchell Wines
Organic Hill
Ottelia
Paisley Wines
Paxton Wines
Portia Valley Wines
Rymill Coonawarra
Salena Estate Wines
Seppeltsfield Wines
Sorby Wines
The Hidden Sea Wines Co.
The Islander Estate Vineyards
Thorn-Clarke Wines
Unico Zelo
Vanguardist Wines
Wangolina
Wines by Geoff Hardy
Spirits:
Never Never Distilling Company
Seppeltsfield Road Distillers
Food / Other:
POMIGOLD
Macro Group Australia
Pendleton Olive Estate
Apiwraps Beeswax Wraps
The Yoghurt Shop
Yumbah Aquaculture
