Mainland buyers sample Tasmanian wine as part of trade visit

Wine trade representatives from across Australia have been touring Tasmania’s vineyards as part of a visit.

Wine Tasmania’s National Wine Trade Visit had the delegation going to locations such as Moorilla, Derwent Estate, Glaetzer Dixon, Sisu and Tolpuddle.

The visit was supported through the Tasmanian Government's $1.5 million Market Development Project grant.

Eduardo Fritis-Anora is the head sommelier at Shell House in Sydney and was part of the trade visit delegation.

“This trip for me is about gaining a deeper understanding of Tasmanian wine, meeting some fantastic producers, delving in and trying some really cool stuff that I haven’t tasted, and most importantly, getting that back to my guests and wider wine drinking community,” Mr Fritis-Anora said.

“There’s great quality down here, and our guests at the restaurant are happy to pay for quality.”

Trade Minister Guy Barnett said inbound buyer programs are all about growing jobs and supporting winemakers to grow and diversify.

“The program brings key buyers to Tasmania, allowing them to experience our products, people and our regions, creating important opportunities to strengthen relationships between Tasmanian producers and buyers,” Mr Barnett said.

“This supports increased listings and distribution opportunities and also helps build long-term partnerships that benefit our regional economy and showcase Tasmania to the nation.”

Mr Barnett said the state’s wine industry was in a strong position.

"Two State records were achieved in 2025, with Tasmania harvesting 23,002 tonnes of wine grapes and producing an estimated 1.66 million cases of wine."

“The average grape price reached $3,924 per tonne, compared with the national average of $604 per tonne, highlighting the premium reputation Tasmanian wine has built nationally and internationally.

“That means Tasmania’s grapes are delivering around six-and-a-half times greater value per tonne than the national average, with sparkling wine accounting for around 43 per cent of total production.”

The state government recently introduced a $5.5 million new trade strategy.

“The domestic off-island market remains a critical foundation for export growth and an important first market for many producers, providing a platform to build capability and confidence to export and for the wine sector,” Mr Barnett said.

“This visit demonstrates the value of connecting our producers directly with key decision-makers from across Australia.”