Australian High Commission
Papua New Guinea

MR 080317 Wine Tasting

Media release

17 March 2008

For immediate release

Australian wine showcased during Australia week

 

Members of the business community attended a wine tasting event with Casella Wines as part of Australia Week 2008 last Friday.

Around 100 invited guests turned out for the event at the Australian High Commission, which was organised by the Australian Government’s Trade Commission, Austrade, and the successful Australian wine company, Casella Wines.

Guests sampled a section of Yellowtail sparkling and still whites, and reds from the Casella stable of wines and enjoyed a short film about the company.

The Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr Chris Moraitis, said the wine tasting evening was a “key event” in the Australia Week calendar.

“In addition to this evening’s event, Casella have supported a number of Australia Week events with their wine products and I thank them for their support,” he said.

“I would also like to acknowledge the commitment the Casella team have made to the PNG market and recognise the strong support provided by Austrade.”

Australian Sales Manager for Casella Wines, Mr Bob Powell, said the company was delighted to be associated with the Australian High Commission in promoting their Yellowtail wine during Australia Week.

“The results from our wine tasting promotions in Lae and Port Moresby have been outstanding and I acknowledge the significant in-market support provided by Austrade and our local distributors Seeto Kui,” Mr Powell said.

The Casella family have had a long association with the wine industry in Australia dating back to the 1960s. During the 1990s the business undertook an ambitious expansion program leading it into the export arena in the early 2000s. In 2005 Casella Wines secured its place in the Austrade Exporter’s Hall of Fame after winning Australian Agribusiness Exporter of the Year in 2002, 2003 and 2004, as well as Exporter of the Year in 2004.

A similar Casella Wines wine tasting event was also held in Lae as part of Australia Week 2008. The week, which ended last Sunday, was designed to highlight the strength of the relationship between Australia and PNG.

 

Media Inquiries: Francina Thomson, Public Diplomacy Officer, T: 325 9333 ext 276