Routes Asia: Grape Expectations!

Reporter: Louise Driscoll, Adelaide

Adelaide’s food & wine showcase was one of four popular discovery tours enjoyed by delegates at the weekend in the lead up to Routes Asia, which will officially open on Monday (19th April 2010). And what better way to set the mood ahead of three days business than over a glass (or two…) of Australia’s most famous wine! On Saturday, I joined one of the groups for a four-hour experience of Adelaide’s finest at Penfolds, the world famous wine producer.

It began with a fascinating tour of the wine-making process by expert, “Travis”, who then opened up some quite special wines at the bar. “Smell it before you slug it,” was the motto, but the wine didn’t last too long in the glass. Delegates taking the tasting experience included senior decision-makers from Brunei, Moscow Sheremetyevo and Malaysia - and our excellent, knowledgable host for the afternoon, Kathy from the South Australian Tourism Commission.

As well as learning about the unique local produce in Adelaide (including olive oil and organic honey), the coach made a pit stop at a boutique winery up in the hills for some alcohol refuelling and exquisite local food (including plates of soft crab meat, local pates and olives). On Saturday, over 30 delegates filled up a coach for another round. The city, beach and wildlife tours also proved to be equally popular.