A taste of Oz with wine & food week

Wine Australia is working with the Australian Government this summer to boost the image of Aussie food and wine in the UK. The collaboration, which...

Wine Australia is working with the Australian Government this summer to boost the image of Aussie food and wine in the UK.

The collaboration, which also includes input from the Australian Trade Commission, has led to the launch of a week-long initiative called G'dayUK, which commences on 24 June.

A number of food and drink-related activities have been planned for the week including Australian wine tastings hosted by Matthew Jukes, as well as promotions in Selfridges Food Hall and Booths.

"We see this as a great initiative through which Wine Australia will be showcasing the excellence achieved and diversity of fine wines now coming out of Australia," said Lisa McGovern, director of Wine Australia Europe. "Our programme includes new and unique activities for both trade and consumers such as a tutored day for the industry led by the Australian Wine Research Institute on wine judging and evaluation. There will also be the inaugural presentation to consumers of Matthew Jukes' 100 Best Australian Wines at a glamourous evening event at Australia House."

The 100 Best Australian Wines reception, which will take place on 30 June, displays a collection of wines chosen by Matthew Jukes and his colleague Quentin Johnson, in a quest to find the best wines from several thousand researched by the duo this year and last.

Michelin-starred chefs, Shane Osborn and Brett Graham will also be creating an Australian-themed food and wine menu exclusively for the Selfridges Restaurant.

"Working with talent like Osborn and Graham, Selfridges customers can touch, taste and smell a little bit of Australia without leaving their own backyard." said the senior trade commissioner in the UK, Kylie Hargreaves.