Wine Australia hosts Irish Sommeliers - in Australia

If the first rule of successful marketing is to be creative then John McDonnell of Wine Australia in Ireland deserves credit for constantly coming up with new ways to get his message across. 

Recently John ran a 'Wine Australia Ireland Sommelier Course' and now three participants from that course will travel to Australia in April for two weeks to visit some of it’s wine producers and vineyard regions. Three truly excellent sommeliers can now bring real life experiences back to us and along with themselves for the rest of their careers. Winners all round.  

John's press release tells us that:

John Hoade (Beaufield Mews, Dublin), Anke Hartmann (The Cliff House, Waterford) and Damian Corr (The Cellar Restaurant, Dublin) attended a 6 session course. It was hosted once a month by Wine Australia Ireland. The aim of the course was to give guests a greater understanding of the wines, people and regions that make up the Australian wine community.

The winners were selected on the basis of their attendance and participation on the course and on completing a 3 section exam.

On being selected John Hoade said, I am absolutely thrilled about the prospect of going “Down Under”. I am very excited to have the chance to visit the regions and wineries first hand, and to be meeting the winemakers and craftsmen, face to face. I’m really looking forward to sharing the trip with like minded enthusiasts.

Anke Hartmann added, This Wine Australia Sommelier Course has given me a much deeper understanding of the superb range of wines being made in this most diverse country. I am so thrilled to have the wonderful opportunity to meet the people behind it within their environment. A privileged experience to be shared with my guests, colleagues and friends on my return.

The Cliff House 5 * Dining

While Damian Corr pondered, Could Australia be the most diverse wine producing country in the world? From old vines to ancient soils, cool climate to Mediterranean like vineyards, 170 years of tradition yet modern and innovative, its got lots to offer. Wine Australia’s course has re-confirmed for me the quality and diversity of wines produced Down Under. I’m really looking forward to doing more research in April.

The Cellar at The Merrion Hotel : Photo from Good Food Ireland

Wine Australia’s John Mc Donnell, host of the course said, This is the first time we have run this course in Ireland and we have been thrilled with the quality and enthusiasm of the guests who have joined us. Unfortunately we couldn’t take all to Australia, but I’ll be delighted to introduce Anke, John and Damian to the Australian wine community in April.

l-r Christie Schulz, John Hoade, Anke Hartmann, John McDonnell and Damian Corr