Wine lovers, growers, and producers from across Australia are set to gather in Queensland’s Granite Belt Wine Country for the 2024 Australian Saperavi Producers Symposium, scheduled for the 6th and 7th of September. The event, which highlights the increasingly popular Saperavi grape, will take place at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism in Stanthorpe.
A key highlight of the symposium will be the presence of the Georgian Ambassador to Australia, Mr. Beka Dvali, who will present awards following the recent judging of the Saperavi International 2024 show held in Tbilisi, Georgia.
The two-day event will kick off on Friday, 6th September, with the Saperavi Producers Symposium, featuring industry discussions and a conference dinner at Varias restaurant, located at the college. On Saturday, 7th September, the event will open to the public, offering a free opportunity to taste Saperavi wines from various Australian regions and learn more about this unique variety.
What is Saperavi?
Saperavi is a deeply coloured red grape variety, one of 525 Indigenous varieties from Georgia, a country often considered the birthplace of wine, with over 8,000 years of viticultural heritage. Known for its red flesh and dark colour, Saperavi produces wines with earthy and beetroot-like aromas, often fermented in traditional clay vessels called ‘qvevri.’
Until recently, Saperavi was almost unknown to Australian wine drinkers. However, its popularity is on the rise, thanks to innovative winemakers across Australia. The Granite Belt, along with regions like Adelaide Hills, King Valley, Barossa, and McLaren Vale, is leading the way in cultivating this ancient yet innovative grape.
Why the Granite Belt?
The Granite Belt, home to Strange Bird™ wines, is distinguished by its high elevation and boutique wineries that focus on emerging, alternate wine varieties. Saperavi has thrived in this region, with local winemakers earning international recognition. Notably, Ballandean Estate won the Saperavi World Prize medal in 2018, and Ridgemill Estate recently secured two silver medals at the 2024 Saperavi International in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Event Details:
Producer’s Event – Friday, 6 September
Saperavi Symposium: 9am to 5pm
Producer’s Dinner: 6:30pm to 9pm
Public Event – Saturday, 7 September
Free Entry: Open to the public from 11am to 3pm
Location:
Queensland College of Wine Tourism, 22 Caves Road, Stanthorpe QLD 4380.
The Granite Belt community and wine enthusiasts are encouraged to join this unique event, which promises to showcase the best of Saperavi wines from across the country.
