Tasmania's push to get its wines into Asia

Tasmanian wine producers have returned from hosting an inaugural masterclass for Singaporean wine trade and media with the relationship set to continue into the future. 

Eleven of the island’s wine producers were represented at the tasting, with five attending in person to share their wines and stories and meet guests.

Wine Tasmania will follow up by hosting Singaporean wine trade representatives in Tasmania in January, 2026, and a similar masterclass and tasting event is also scheduled in Seoul, with the Republic of Korea identified as the other export market offering the greatest potential for Tasmanian wine.

Wine Tasmania CEO Sheralee Davies said that Singapore had been identified through a robust global research project as one of the key markets offering the greatest potential for Tasmanian wine.

“Singaporeans value high quality and provenance and particularly appreciate chardonnay and pinot noir,” Ms Davies said.

“Tasmania’s exceptional and small-scale wines are a great fit for this sophisticated market and we were thrilled with the interest in Tasmanian wines - a total of 34 wines were showcased with many attendees signalling their intent to subsequently purchase wines.” 

Accompanied by Ms Davies and Cat Carey of Wine Tasmania, participating wine producers from around the island included Delamere, Domaine A/Moorilla, Ghost Rock, Glaetzer Dixon Family Winemakers, Holm Oak, House of Arras, Mewstone, Pressing Matters/Ossa, Small Wonder, Spring Vale and Stargazer.

The masterclass was hosted by Mr Benjamin Hasko, a highly respected member of the Singaporean wine trade.

“There’s a strong connection between Singapore and Australia, with Australian wine being one of the key suppliers to Singapore, particularly on the premium end of the market, Mr Hasko said.

“Tasmania offers a compelling option to Singaporean wine consumers. The production is limited, but the quality is exceptionally high, featuring world-class examples of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. 

“The story is compelling, with the picturesque Tasmanian landscape adding to the proposition.”

“Tasmania’s focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir offers buyers an attractive alternative to the increasingly expensive wines from traditional wine-producing regions.”

Participating winemaker and director of Delamere Vineyards, Fran Austin, said she was thrilled to be part of the initiative to introduce Tasmanian wines to Singapore. 

“This is a sophisticated, high-end market with discerning, knowledgeable consumers - and the event hit all the right notes: stunning venue, a perfectly curated tasting experience, and an ideal guest list for meaningful engagement. 

“With Tasmania’s wine production projected to quadruple by 2040, growing our international presence from the current 5 per cent to 10-15 per cent is a key priority. 

“Not only does this assist with market diversification, it also allows Tasmanian wine to be seen alongside its counterparts from the world’s other premium, cool climate wine regions.”