Ararat wine heading to China next week

ARARAT - Ararat Gold Shiraz, the first offering from the Grampian Pyrenees Wine Co-operative for the Chinese market, was launched at Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre on Thursday.

Prior to the launch of the wine, the Co-operative was officially launched by Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Small Business Joe Helper at the Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE Aradale campus, with special guest Mr Shen Weilan, Consul General of the People's Republic of China, visiting for the occasion and speaking at a dinner later in the evening.

The launches marked the ever growing bond between Ararat Rural City and its Chinese Sister City, Taishan.

The Grampians Pyrenees Wine Co-operative is made up of nine small to medium sized vineyards, including Eurabbie Estate, Avoca; Clayfield Wines, Moyston; The Ludvigsen Partnership, Great Western, Michael Unwin Wines, Beaufort; Mount Cole Wineworks, Warrak; NSP Winery, Armstrong; Chandler's Vineyard, Redbank, Concongella Vineyards and NMIT, Ararat.

They have banded together to create a shiraz blend from the old gold bearing ranges and valleys of the Grampians and Pyrenees region.

The grapes from the regions are renowned for their special flavour with the myth that old gold bearing land imparts a golden taste that will excite the palate. The natural peppery taste is also believed to appeal to the Chinese palate.

Ararat Gold Shiraz celebrates the strong link between Ararat Rural City and its Chinese Sister City, Taishan, which was brought into fruition in September 1994.

Last year a delegation lead by Ararat Rural City chief executive officer, Steve Chapple, manager of economic development, Clyde Humphries and international relations officer, Henry Gunstone developed new initiatives and inroads into this long lasting relationship, focusing on economic growth and opportunities for local exports into China.

''The Chinese economy is growing at a very rapid pace and the possibilities to tap into this are endless,'' Mr Chapple said.

''Ararat Rural City has so much to offer in terms of local produce and agricultural exports and Ararat Gold Shiraz is one fine example of this.''

Manager of economic development, Clyde Humphries said it is great to see successful outcomes being generated between both the Ararat Rural City and its Sister City, Taishan.

''The release of the Ararat Gold Shiraz is a fantastic way to toast the exciting times to come, in terms of economic growth and international relations,'' he said.

Ararat Gold Shiraz samples will be exported next week with a delegation from Ararat Rural City Council and the Grampians Pyrenees Wine Co-operative travelling to China for its international release on May 26.

Taishan City government is hosting the wine tasting and launch in the grand ballroom of the five star Taishan Phoenix Country Hotel and has invited more than 325 wine retailers and resellers, representing a population of nearly 10 million people.