What better way to celebrate Australia Day than tasting some of Australia's best wines with one of the legends of the Australian wine industry.

Respected Australian expert, author and wine judge James Halliday will introduce wines from more than 35 Australian wineries all now available in China, including an exclusive selection that he has awarded the ultimate 5 Stars in his best-selling James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2010.

This special event for sommeliers, F&B staff, wine writers, educators, restaurateurs, importers and distributors will be held at Beijing's Grand Millennium Hotel from 2pm to 5pm on Tuesday 26 January, 2010. It will be hosted by the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation (AWBC) and the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade).

"This will be a first for Beijing – a one-stop tasting of a diverse range of quality Australian wines conveniently located under one roof and the chance to listen to one of our leading wine experts ," said AWBC’s Regional Manager, Ali Lockwood. 

"James Halliday is the most senior active wine judge in Australia and has written thousands of articles and more than 60 books about Australian wine."

Visitors must show a business card to gain entry to the trade and media tasting. This tasting session will be complemented by an invitation-only media masterclass and a VIP tasting. 

Austrade's Senior Trade Commissioner, Alan Morrell, said the event was ideally suited to trade and media visitors from across regional northern China.

"It will provide a unique educational and sourcing platform for businesses in China to connect with Australian wines that are in China, across all price levels and varieties, and ready for immediate order and delivery," he said.

"There is clearly great interest in Australian wine in China. Imports of bottled Australian wine increased 66% in volume in the 12 months to September and Australia is now the second biggest provider of imported bottled wine to China."

During the event four recipients of the AWBC's inaugural Wine Australia Awards will be announced, which will see them fly to Australia to experience wineries and wine regions first hand.

The AWBC has significantly expanded its activity in China, working in close partnership with Austrade and now has a full-time Market Development Officer based in Austrade's Shanghai office. 

Austrade's network of 14 offices across China, Hong Kong and Macao also provides a unique network for Chinese companies to source Australian wines.

Tasting Details:
Australia Day Wine Tasting
Tuesday 26 January, 2010
Open to trade and media 2pm–5pm – please present a business card
Grand Millennium Hotel
Fortune Plaza No. 7, DongSanHuan Middle Road,
Chaoyang District, Beijing