By Adam Walls, the 2015 AAVWS Fellow From the outset, my time at the 2015 AAVWS was A +. Mildura put on a show! Postcard spring weather, country hospitality and top class food and wine. The weekend opened my eyes to the momentum that ‘alternative varieties’ are currently experiencing in Australia. The AAVWS is […]
Guest Blog by Stefano de Pieri Dr Rod Bonfiglioli – the viticulturist at Chalmers’ Nursery – came to see me on a cold winter night. He said he had a project and he needed my help. I was eager to talk to him. I heard about mysterious wine things going on in the heart […]
After beginning as a Sangiovese Challenge in 1999 and an Australian Italian variety celebration in 2000, the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show in it’s current form kicked off in 2001. Here is a snapshot of what that first AAVWS entailed from the archive of event manager Helen Healy with observations from Inaugural Chief of Judges Tim White (both pictured)… […]
My name is Adam Walls and I have to say I am very much looking forward to the first weekend in November and the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show. I have been a lover of what we in term ‘alternative varieties’ for over a decade since I was lucky enough to tour Europe as a […]
My name is Nathan Gogoll, I’m a journalist and I know there’s no better opportunity to uncover great story ideas than to be immersed, behind the scenes, at events where the industry gets together. Could there be a better opportunity for the new editor of the Australia & New Zealand Grapegropwer & Winemaker than a […]
My name is Sarah Limacher, I have the pleasure of being Group Sommelier for The Keystone Group, which based in Sydney operates 26 venues across Australia, our portfolio includes our 3 iconic wine bars The Winery Surry Hills, Gazebo and Manly Wine, restaurants such as Rushcutters, The Chophouse, Jamie’s Italian and Kingsleys, our members club […]
It was the year 2004 that we first heard about the AAVWS and because of my interest in Alternative varieties we thought we’d go along and enter our Sangiovese which at the time only had it as a clean skin. We arrived on the Friday avo that 1st week of November. Back then the tasting […]
A guest blog by Jeni and Burt Surmon, Mt Surmon Wines We had planted nebbiolo, pinot gris and viognier vines in our Clare Valley vineyard so the initial AAVWS in 1999 featuring sangiovese was of interest. We were delighted when the concept was broadened to include a large number of lesser known and unknown varieties. Many […]
a presentation by Mark Walpole at the Long Italian Lunch & Sangiovese Awards, 6th November 1999. Introduction When people are talking about premium Italian varietal wines then in most cases people think Barolo, Barbaresco (both made from Nebbiolo); Chianti (from Sangiovese), Barbera, Pinot Grigio or possibly even blends including French varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon. In […]
This is where it all started… Pictured above are the founders of the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show; L-R Jenni Chalmers, Bruce Chalmers, Stefano de Pieri and the late Dr. Rod Bonfiglioli. This shot was taken on the 6th November 1999 at the event which spawned the show, the Long Italian Lunch incorporating the Australian […]
Changing the World
“The massive impact the AAVWS has had on wine production and consumption in Australia over the last 15 years is now flowing overseas as alternative varieties breathe new life into the UK market and add colour and excitement to the Australian offering.”
Ashley Ratcliff | President 2016 - 2020
