Who makes Australia’s best Cabernet Sauvignon? Now, I’m sure you all have your favourite? Is it from the region of Coonawarra, the Yarra Valley, McLaren Vale, Mudgee or does Margaret River take your fancy? There’s so much diversity and regional examples to explore.
Cabernet Day on 1 September is a great opportunity to put region against region and see just how Australian Cabernet Sauvignon has evolved to stand along the finest in the world. Momentum is growing globally for this international social media event and Australian wineries are keen to show you the best wines they are producing. Register on http://cabernet.eventbrite.com/ to get involved.
We’re hearing reports of back vintage wines being pulled out of the cellar, exclusive new releases being sent to sample and international distributors (yes including those from New Zealand) who sell in Australia also getting into the action. This is an event for everyone to participate in.
WHERE TO GO TO GET INVOLVED:
There will be a general tweet up from 7-8.30pm EST for anyone who wants to get involved at home, but you’re not restricted to that time zone. There are events and free tastings happening all over Australia. Summary of some of the global events can be found here and the big free tastings are as follows:
SYDNEY:
Where: Coast Roof Top Bar and Restaurant
The Roof Terrace, Cockle Bay Wharf,
Darling Harbour, Sydney, NSW 2000
Time: 4- 6.00pm
ADELAIDE:
Where: The Qwoff Boys Headquarters
15b Richard Street,
Hindmarsh SA 5007
From 6pm
Spots are limited so please email justin@qwoff.com.au for availability
COONAWARRA
Zema Estate Winery,
Riddoch Hwy,
Coonawarra
5.30pm to 6.30pm
BAROSSA VALLEY
Wolf Blass Visitors Centre
97 Sturt Hwy
Nurioopta, SA 5355
5-7pm
BRISBANE:
Wine Experience
150 Baroona Rd,
Rosalie, Brisbane QLD 4064
When: 5pm kick off
MCLAREN VALE
Osborn Road
McLaren Vale SA 5171
When: Between 1 and 3pm
Winemakers – please bring a bottle of Cabernet along
PERTH
The Left Bank Café, Bar and Restaurant
15 Riverside Drive
East Fremantle WA 6158
5pm – 7pm
MARGARET RIVER
Join Kate Morgan from Fraser Gallop, Brad Wehr from Wine By Brad and Mantra and Viren Goundrie from Stella Bella as they taste and discuss a range of top Australian Cabernet.
107 Bussell Highway
Margaret River WA 6285
From 5.30pm
WINERIES:
If you want to submit samples for the tastings, download Cabernet Day Address-Labels and get your samples out to the venues.
REMEMBER: Please include your twitter handle on the bottle if you have one so people can tweet about your wines, mark the RRP and include an order form for people who love your wine on the evening. This is a great opportunity to show your wines so please think about what Cabernet best represents your brand (maybe it’s something unique or back vintage release)
Those who make the most of these varietal days really think about how they can engage and educate their consumers and make it simple to get involved. Some suggestions you might want to consider:
- Sell sample packs and spread the word to your consumers on your database – this is an opportunity for you to talk to your customers about your products and the wineries who think through how they will spread
- Collaborate with other wineries in your region – maybe hold a tasting in your local vistor centre and get consumers involved – advertise collaboratively and get people along to try the Cabernets from your region
- Get your retailers excited – hold tastings on the day in store with some of your retail customers and watch the stream of tweets on a site like www.twitterfall.com
- Educate – it’s intimidating for some consumers to talk about wine so help them on the journey. Provide some information about the wines, upload videos, think about how you can create content in advance of the day so people can hear your messages whilst tasting your wines.
