Winemakers blend business with pleasure

Beer is by far the alcoholic beverage of choice in Japan but Australian winemakers are putting up a good fight. In September, Wine Australia Japan hosted wine-tasting events in Tokyo and Osaka. More than 20 winemakers and importers discussed the distinctive features of their products with Japanese, Western and Chinese restaurateurs. In Tokyo, guests were treated to a talk show-like discussion of Australia's different wine-growing regions, how to prepare an Australian wine menu and the country's defiance of some European traditions, like the preference for a screw cap rather than a cork. The Yellow Tail brand, from NSW's Riverina region, sports a distinctive kangaroo label and is the best-selling Australian wine in Japan. However with wine accounting for less than 8 per cent of Japanese alcohol consumption, Australian winemakers are keen to make inroads on what is hoped to be an emerging market.