WINE FAIR'S BIG IMPACT

LOOK for the International Wine Fair to become an annual event after big crowds flocked to the inaugural Vintage Cellars event in Sydney in March. The International Wine Fair brought together leading winemakers and producers from Chile to New Zealand and boutique producers from the great winemaking regions in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal. Aimed at introducing Australian drinkers to exciting new styles from around the world and the people behind them, the two-day show featured a range of masterclasses (I enjoyed Bordeaux 1996-2006: A Revolution In Style, hosted by winemaker Thibault Despagne) as well as the chance to taste wines from Cono Sur (Chile), Casa Santos Lima (Portugal), Domaine Henry Pelle (France), Bodegas Palacio (Spain) and Dashwood (New Zealand) to name just a few. Tickets cost $25 for Vintage Cellars Wine Club Members and $35 for non-members and such was the response the event will return in 2010. See www.vintagecellars.com.au