Western Australia Unleashes a Torrent of “Exhilarating Wines” in Monumental Sydney Trade Tasting

Billed as the most significant tasting of Western Australian wines ever staged outside of the state, the event drew a significant crowd of industry professionals, keen to explore the unique terroir and innovative winemaking that has earned WA wines a global reputation for excellence.

Attendees had the opportunity to delve into the offerings of seven distinct wine regions, including the internationally acclaimed Margaret River and Great Southern, the historic Swan Valley, and exciting up-and-coming areas that are not so well known,…like Geographe, Pemberton, Blackwood Valley, and the Perth Hills.

Larry Jorgensen, CEO of Wines of Western Australia, (pictured above with A.Ritenis)emphasized the trailblazing spirit of the region, noting that “the quality and winemaking creativity coming from Western Australia’s wine regions has never been greater.”He highlighted the artisan nature and magnificent seclusion of the industry, which, he believes, has kept these exceptional wines a “well-kept secret” until now.

Celebrated vigneron and industry leader Vanja Cullen with A.Ritenis

The tasting wasn’t just about established classics. While celebrated varietals like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz were prominently featured, the event also shone a light on a remarkable array of other grapes, including Grenache, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc, Riesling, and Tempranillo, alongside over 20 different alternative white and red grape varieties. This diversity underscored the ingenuity of WA winemakers who are “reimagining classic varietals” and embracing new expressions.

Beyond the tasting, a series of insightful masterclasses curated by esteemed wine writer and judge Erin Larkin further enriched the experience. These sessions provided deeper dives into emerging wine styles, cultural icons, and classical benchmarks, offering valuable context and understanding of what’s “blazing a trail” in Australian wine.

The success of the “EXHILARATING Wines from Western Australia” trade tasting in Sydney signals a strong push from the state’s wine industry to bring its high-quality, distinctive wines to a broader audience.

With a track record of winning a disproportionate share of international accolades – for example, Western Australia secured 63% of Australia’s Gold Medals at the 2024 International Wine and Spirits Challenge – the “exhilarating” reputation of these wines is clearly well-deserved and set to grow.