International experts engage with SA
9 July, 2019
Three international experts from other internationally renowned Great Wine Capitals recently visited South Australia as part of the Knowledge Exchange Program, sharing their experiences and expertise with our wine industry.
The wine experts delivered insightful and comprehensive workshops and met with representatives from six of South Australia's wine regions.
Cristina Perez is the Head of Public Relations at the Marques de Riscal City of Wine in Rioja, Spain. Cristina presented on how the Marques de Riscal has pushed the envelope in wine tourism and the ways they have grown this.
Cristina Valenza is the Head of Communication at Masi Agricola in Verona, Italy. Cristina spoke about the interesting international business model of Masi Agricola, and the role that she has played in expanding the brand to new customers.
And finally, Marc Verpaalen is the Hospitality and Events Manager at Chateau Giscours and Chateau du Tertre in Bordeaux, France. Marc presented about wine tourism in Bordeaux and the innovative practices in his Chateau and the way this builds brand equity.
Marc Verpallen, Chateau Giscours & Chateau Du Tertre, Bordeaux, said the visit was worthwhile.
"Every aspect of the Knowledge Exchange Program was very much appreciated, from the beginning till the end," he said.
"Exchange has been the key-word in this intensive week during which we were not only given the opportunity to expose our view on wine tourism but we were also pleased and eager to be able to learn about the many different initiatives taken in South-Australia in terms of wine tourism.
"This was definitely an eye-opening experience blended with genuine Adelaidean hospitality and generosity."
The international experts were targeted specifically in response to a survey of South Australian wine regions' interests.
Adelaide Hills Wine Region Executive Officer Kerry Truel said it was wonderful to build connections with the global wine experts.
"For me, one of the key benefits of being a member of the Great Wine Capitals is the access to a truly global network of industry experts," she said.
"To be able to spend a day with like-minded professionals from international wine regions – to hear about their experiences, to learn about their businesses and in return share our local successes, is an invaluable opportunity."
The program took the experts to McLaren Vale, where they also had the opportunity to engage with Adelaide Hills and Langhorne Creek wine region representatives, and also delivered workshops for Coonawarra, Clare Valley and Barossa.
This is the third year in a row that this capability building program has been delivered in South Australia, with previous experts from Napa Valley and Porto.