Australian wine producers have delivered a confident showing across key international markets in recent weeks, recording strong engagement from trade, buyers, sommeliers and media. From packed tastings and masterclasses to conversations with some of the world's biggest buyers, the activity reinforced Australia's reputation as a diverse, premium wine producer and highlighted the value of international engagement for the sector.
Strong international response to Australian wine
This year's collaborative Australia and New Zealand Trade Tasting (ANZTT) attracted strong attendance across London, Edinburgh and Dublin. Approximately 950 guests including buyers, importers, sommeliers and media, engaged with more than 1,000 wines from over 250 wineries, representing 57 regions across Australia and New Zealand.
A key strength of ANZTT was the opportunity for direct connection with producers. Twenty-nine Australian winemakers, winery owners and principals travelled to the UK and Ireland, allowing buyers and media to meet the people behind the wines, hear stories first-hand and discover what makes Australian wine unique.
Journalist David Williams said the London tasting highlighted the creative energy of Australian and New Zealand producers.
"Aussie and Kiwi winemakers are as daring as ever, and their creative, adventurous spirit really shone at the London tasting. The sommelier selection tasting was particularly inspired, with many of the most interesting and delicious wines being made from alternative varieties."
Producers reported that the ANZTT format allowed for in-depth, commercially focused conversations, while buyers showed strong interest in evolving styles and alternative varieties.
Australian wine strengthens its presence at Wine Paris
Momentum continued at Wine Paris 2026, where Australian wine recorded its largest presence at the fair to date. Over three days, 43 Australian producers poured more than 450 wines from 34 regions on the Australian Wine stand, almost doubling Australia's footprint compared to 2025. Another 20+ independent stands showcased dozens of other Australian wine brands. More than 63,500 trade visitors from 169 countries attended Wine Paris 2026, making it arguably the world's most significant wine trade event.
Reflecting strong and consistent engagement across the Australian Wine pavilion at Wine Paris, Lucy Clements, CEO of Freestone Estate in the Riverland, said the event delivered valuable commercial outcomes.
"Some of the biggest buyers in the world have met us here, we've had a breadth and depth of buyer – from wholesaler to retailer – through our doors and at our table," she said.
"Paris is phenomenal, and being part of the Australian Wine pavilion makes it much easier for us to do what we need to do at Freestone."
Education was a major drawcard, with nine masterclasses run at capacity, many with standing room only audiences. Sessions focused on regional expression, contemporary Australian styles and alternative varieties, attracting more than 400 guests from 30 countries and reflecting the breadth of global interest in the evolution of Australian wine.
Highlighting the importance of in-market engagement, Dr Martin Cole, CEO of Wine Australia, said the international response demonstrated the value of being in front of global decision makers.
"In highly competitive and challenging global markets, visibility and engagement matter more than ever. The strong response to Australian wine across ANZTT and Wine Paris shows that when we are present, telling our story and putting wines in front of decision‑makers, Australia continues to resonate," he said.
"Buyers and sommeliers are actively looking for diversity, quality and authenticity, and Australian producers are well placed to meet that demand."
Global wine leaders look to Adelaide
During Wine Paris, the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) opened registration for the IMW International Symposium 2027 and revealed the four-day programme, taking place in Adelaide, South Australia, supported by the South Australian Government and major sponsor Wine Australia.
The Symposium places Australia at the centre of the global wine conversation and reflects confidence in Australia as a place for meaningful global conversations about the future of wine. The event, widely acknowledged as a highlight of the global wine calendar, will bring leading wine educators, trade, producers and influencers to Australia, providing a rare opportunity to showcase Australian wine on home soil and in context.
Delegates will experience the diversity of Australia's wine regions, the evolution of its styles and the innovation shaping the Australian wine category.
Dr Cole said the decision recognised Australia's ongoing contribution to global wine dialogue and the long-term value of sustained international engagement.
"Hosting the IMW International Symposium 2027 in Adelaide reflects the confidence the global wine community has in Australia's role in shaping the future of wine.
"It's a powerful opportunity to bring the world's leading wine voices to Australia to experience our regions, our producers and the innovation shaping our sector, creating lasting advocacy for Australian wine globally."
