This year’s Australia and New Zealand Trade Tasting attracted around 950 guests across London, Edinburgh and Dublin. Australian producers also expanded their presence at Wine Paris 2026, with more than 63,500 trade visitors from 169 countries attending the event.
This year’s Australia and New Zealand Trade Tasting attracted around 950 guests across London, Edinburgh and Dublin. Buyers, importers, sommeliers and media tasted more than 1,000 wines from over 250 wineries representing 57 regions across Australia and New Zealand.
Twenty nine Australian winemakers, winery owners and principals travelled to the UK and Ireland, giving buyers and media the opportunity to meet producers directly and hear about their wines first hand.
Producers said the format supported detailed commercial discussions, with buyers expressing interest in evolving styles and alternative varieties.
Australian wine at Wine Paris
Australian producers also expanded their presence at Wine Paris 2026. Over three days, 43 producers poured more than 450 wines from 34 regions on the Australian Wine stand, almost doubling Australia’s footprint compared to 2025. A further 20 independent stands featured additional Australian brands. More than 63,500 trade visitors from 169 countries attended the event.
“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,” said chief executive officer of Freestone Estate in the Riverland Lucy Clements.
“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.”
Nine masterclasses were held at capacity, focusing on regional expression, contemporary Australian styles and alternative varieties. More than 400 guests from 30 countries attended.
Dr Martin Cole, chief executive officer of Wine Australia, said the response demonstrated the importance of in market engagement.
“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.”
A focus on Adelaide
During Wine Paris, the Institute of Masters of Wine opened registration for the IMW International Symposium 2027 and released the four day programme. The event will take place in Adelaide, South Australia, supported by the South Australian government and sponsor Wine Australia.
The symposium will bring wine educators, trade representatives, producers and commentators to Australia, providing an opportunity to showcase Australian wine domestically.
Delegates will visit wine regions and explore the evolution of Australian styles and production.
“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,” said Cole
“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.”
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