In 2005, I was fortunate (and smart!) enough to win a trip to Australia, courtesy of Wine Australia. Along with seven other American wine buyers and sommeliers, I visited wineries large and small, in New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria. The trip was meant to broaden our awareness of the quality and diversity of Australian wines.
Australia has made its mark with value priced varietals and big reds from Barossa and McLaren Vale. Many have not experienced the wines from cooler climates – yes they exist in Australia! In the Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley and elsewhere, refined and elegant renditions of Chardonnay, Shiraz, Viognier and Pinot Noir are gaining recognition.
One of the highlights of the trip was dinner at the De Bortoli winery’s Yarra Valley facility. We ate outdoors on the patio, where winemaker Steve Webber grilled up steak and shrimp, accompanied by incredibly fresh and delicious heirloom tomatoes and basil from their garden, and other tasty treats.
Steve was hobbling about on crutches, having injured himself climbing amongst the barrels in the winery, but was seemingly feeling no pain as he prepared the sumptuous meal. He regaled us with his winemaking philosophy. An avowed Burgundophile, he raised his right hand and exclaimed “I will not make a fifteen-percent alcohol Pinot Noir!”
We tasted the Yarra Valley wines that evening, followed by several dessert wines produced in warmer areas. To my surprise and disappointment, when I asked who sold the wines in San Francisco, the answer was “no one”.
This marked the beginnings of Bridge2Worlds, which was established in order to change that answer. I am very proud to represent this highly-acclaimed Australian winery in the San Francisco Bay area.