International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), Australia’s premier convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct, has launched its inaugural wine collection featuring 93 varieties, 80 per cent of which have been sourced from New South Wales wine producers.
ICC Sydney Beverage Operations and Cellar Manager, William Wilson, one of the first Australians to be certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers, developed the collection to shine a spotlight on local suppliers, following a seven day tasting of over 1,000 labels from more than 300 wineries.
“ICC Sydney is committed to partnering with small and large regional producers to encourage the growth of wineries and local jobs. Seventy-four of our wines are from New South Wales with the remainder of the collection comprised of stand-out wines from across Australia as well as a few international labels. A number of impressive vintages from across the State really shone through during the tasting, with the Hunter Valley, Orange, Riverina and Mudgee among some of the most fruitful regions.
“The list includes a range of boutique wineries, which will give ICC Sydney’s wine collection a distinct point of difference, while highlighting the quality and diversity of local vintages.”
To be certain that a fair and impartial selection process was completed, a robust Request for Proposal submission was undertaken. It was key to guarantee that ICC Sydney’s suppliers can meet the ongoing needs of an international convention centre when it comes to reputation and quality management. This will ensure that the venue consistently supplies world class wine across its beverage packages, a la carte wine list and retail outlets.
The Hon. Stuart Ayres, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, said ICC Sydney’s Wine Collection presents an outstanding platform for local labels to be exposed to a huge number of Australian and international guests.
“Up to 200,000 bottles of wine could be served annually at an ongoing calendar of exhibitions, conventions and entertainment events across the integrated precinct. ICC Sydney’s partnership approach to working with local wineries will ultimately ensure jobs for regional New South Wales.