Japanese wine lovers arrive in WA to tour State's wineries

22/3/97

An influential group of Japanese wine lovers will arrive in Western Australia this weekend to tour many of the State's wineries and gain an appreciation of the local product.

The visit by the group, from the prestigious Japan Wine Academy, is being co-ordinated by the Wine Industry Association of WA, the Japan Wine Export Group and the Department of Commerce and Trade.

Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan said the visit was another sign of the diversification of interests between WA and Japan.

"It's also an example of the diverse ways in which we can attract overseas visitors," he said.

The group includes the principal of the Japan Wine Academy, Mr Toshitaka Fujimi, and five lecturers at the academy. The visitors also have a range of other interests. Three own liquor shops which sell Australian wines; two are sommeliers at top restaurants.

The group will visit wineries in the Margaret River, Mt Barker; Swan Valley and Perth coastal areas.

They will be accompanied by Mr Tsuneto Sasaki, who has been working in the Department of Commerce and Trade on secondment from the Western Australian office in Tokyo.

The Japan Wine Academy has 220 students, consisting of wine lovers, retailers and importers.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 222 9595