Japan eyes off our wines

THE Granite Belt’s growing international reputation as one of Australia’s elite wine destinations has been further enhanced after a visit by a Japanese delegation comprised of leading wine sommeliers and media representatives.

Organised by five-star winery, Sirromet Wines in collaboration with Winetree, a member of the Tokyo-based Global Sky Group, the nearly week-long tour encompassed visits to Sirromet’s Seven Scenes, St Judes and Night Sky Vineyards, along with its state-of-the-art flagship winery at Mount Cotton.

The tour also included visits to local winemakers, highlighting the range of quality wines currently being produced in the premier wine region.

Global Sky Managing Director, Ko Nagata said the visit was an important step in boosting Japanese interest in Queensland wine, capitalising on the recent lowering of trade barriers under the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement.

Australia’s wine exports to Japan have shown significant growth since the introduction of JAEPA last year.

PHOTO: GLEN EATON STRONG PARTNERSHIP: Discussing the future of Granite Belt wines are (from left) Japan Sommelier Association Hokuriku division chairman Kenichi Tsuji, Sirromet Wines chief winemaker Adam Chapman and Kagaya chief sommelier Tsuyoshi Hanashima.