Connoisseurs impressed by unique wine tasting

Wine and tea proved to be unique but most compatible companions in Beijing recently.

 

Serving some of Australia’s Landmark wines alongside a selection of China’s finest teas highlighted the diversity, complexity and allure of tea and wine. And that’s what co-host Paul Henry hoped to achieve.

 

“Our aim was to acknowledge that China already has an appreciation of a traditional and popular beverage as a social, cultural and commercial focus and that this understanding of tea could help underpin a developing appreciation of wine,” he said.

 

“This tasting was the best I have ever attended or presented in 15 years. The response was really positive and I think everyone left with new knowledge and a new determination to explore further.”

 

Mr Henry, who is General Manager Market Development with the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation, presented the session with Jin R, tea expert and owner of Green T House in Chaoyang District in Beijing.

 

Together they explored the importance of natural products – be they grapes or tea leaves – and how they are handled in determining the flavour and aroma of individual wines or teas.

 

Mr Henry said he was particularly impressed by the considered way in which the wines were received and by the appreciation shown for the world-class quality of the winemaking. “It was a fascinating and rewarding exercise,” he said.

 

Feedback from participants was generally that the event was an outstanding and unique experience and an innovative approach to a wine tasting.

 

“It is very encouraging to see a real thirst for knowledge and understanding in China,” Mr Henry said. “Our aim is to channel that engagement into a meaningful understanding of wine in general and of Australian wine in particular.

 

“That is why we have appointed a Wine Australia representative in China and developed a special program of events for the Chinese market, working in partnership with Austrade.”

 

The tea and wine tasting also marked the launch of a new initiative. Wine Australia has invited members of the Chinese wine trade and media, as well as wine educators, to apply to take part in the inaugural Landmark Australia Tutorial next June. Twelve participants selected from around the world will be flown to a luxury private retreat in the famous Barossa Valley for a five-day seminar run by some of the Australia’s leading commentators and winemakers.

 

“The tutorial is an exciting concept that will present Australia’s fine wine credentials in an intimate setting,” Mr Henry said. “Successful candidates will be provided with a return business class airfare to Australia, all expenses paid, and luxury accommodation for the duration of the tutorial.”