Welcome to the South Australian Wine Ambassadors Club
The South Australian Wine Ambassadors Club brings together an international network of wine advocates to share in the splendour of South Australian wines.
Whether you are familiar with South Australian wines, or looking to expand the wineries you represent, joining the South Australian Wine Ambassadors Club will provide you with first-hand knowledge, education and exclusive opportunities to effectively promote and sell premium South Australian wines. Led by Patron Tony Love, members will build awareness and knowledge of South Australian wines, be exposed to buying opportunities from our local winemakers, have personal access to highly distinguished wine experts, receive official endorsement from the South Australian Government and other valuable benefits.
The Government of South Australia established the South Australian Wine Ambassadors Club as part of the Wine Export Diversification Program to create an international network of advocates who share a passion for South Australian wine. Ambassadors’ endorsement will contribute to raising the profile, reputation, and awareness of South Australian wine internationally, as well as influencing their communities to drive sales through targeted trade and educational initiatives.
With the Government’s commitment to enhance wine market development, Ambassadors will not only have access to South Australian wine producers already exporting to Asia and New Zealand but will also get access to new market brands who have not yet exported.
Club member wines will be included in educational trade masterclasses, and their brands will be supported in market with trade and consumer focused sales and promotion events to assist with driving sales and recruitment to the South Australian wine category.
South Australia has a proud winemaking heritage with 18 unique wine regions and over 700 wineries. As Australia’s leading premium wine producer and exporter, 50% of Australia’s bottled wine is produced in South Australia on some of the world’s oldest vines.
Patrons
Tony Love, renowned South Australian wine commentator is Patron of the Wine Ambassadors Club and will deliver unique member experiences through educational masterclasses, tastings and communications.
Katie Spain is a journalist, wine writer, author and MC.
James Halliday AM Club Patron 2022-2024 retired as of May 2024
Club membership includes:
Exclusive, invite-only status to the inaugural Wine Ambassadors Club for two years (reviewed annually in June)
Official Government Certification and recognition from the South Australian Government
Educational masterclasses and tastings with Australia’s leading wine authority: Tony Love
Access to educational and marketing materials, and regular e-newsletters
Ongoing support from South Australian wine educator and critic, Tony Love
Direct trade contact with South Australian wine producers
Club members’ wines prioritised in trade masterclasses and relevant retail campaigns
Access to premium South Australian wines and allocation to limited release South Australian trophy winning wines (where applicable)
Familiarisation visits to South Australia to experience the very best of South Australian wine.
Testimonials from our inaugural ambassadors
"The SAWAC program delivered an exceptional experience in South Australia. Not only were we hosted by a fantastic team, but we had the pleasure of meeting some of the regions’ top wine producers and tasting some of the best local food.
This was a fantastic opportunity for distributors looking to expand their portfolio, it gives you a real sense of place and connects you with the right people. The trip was well balanced and a great representation of South Australian hospitality.
Marianne and Tony were incredibly welcoming, thoughtful and informative. I couldn't have asked for better hosts."
Elizabeth, New Zealand
"Being an experienced wine industry player, the opportunity to join renowned wine professionals, Tony Love and James Halliday, through some of the world's most picturesque vineyards and wineries made for an unforgettable wine trip.
It was a truly exclusive, one-of-a-kind experience – adventure-filled, with exquisite wines, delectable cuisine and breath-taking landscapes. I especially liked the koala hugging experience.
Throughout the trip, Tony and James were on hand to share their wealth of knowledge about the wines and regions, ensuring we had the opportunity to learn from the best in the business.
I am looking forward to seeing all of the winemakers (now friends) next year, and bringing more of the Australian culture, and more importantly, delicious wine, back home to share with my community."
Davy, Hong Kong
Join the South Australian Wine Ambassadors Club
To be eligible to join the South Australian Wine Ambassadors Club, you must:
be a wine importer or distributor
be from South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Vietnam or India
demonstrate a long-term commitment to supporting the South Australian wine sector.
Terms and conditions of membership
Member must onboard a minimum of one new South Australian winery in the first year of membership.
Members are required to provide reporting on export value and volume data of the newly onboarded brands. This data will be kept confidential and used for internal purposes only.
Member must attend virtual educational masterclasses.
Member must demonstrate established relationships with leading retailers and key on-premises venues.
Member must have the ability to actively participate in trade and consumer focused sales and promotion events organised by the state government office in your market.
Member must have the ability to travel to South Australia on a familiarisation visit in May 2025.
Memberships will be reviewed and renewed on an annual basis and members will be withdrawn if they have not adhered to the commitments of the program.
Please note the conditions and activities of the program are subject to change.
Registrations
Registrations have now closed and will re-open in July 2025.
Are you a Winery Producer looking for information on the Program?
SAWAC Business Matching Opportunity FAQsDownload PDF |
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South Australian Wine Ambassadors
Hong Kong
Vinoholic (2024) Hop Hing Loong Co. Ltd. (2024) Kerry Wines Limited (2023) Jointek Fine Wines (HK) Ltd (2023) Anrise-IMC Limited Aquaseason Professionals Limited Six Day's Distribution 12 Bottles Company Rising Dew Continental Wines Black Type Royal Orchid Wine Jebsen Beverage Company - Honorary Ambassador Kedington Wines - Honorary Ambassador Northeast Wines & Spirits - Honorary Ambassador Summergate Fine Wine & Spirits - Honorary Ambassador Watsons - Honorary Ambassador Ponti Wine Cellars - Honorary Ambassador Links Concept Wine Merchants - Honorary Ambassador
India
Aspri Spirits Private Limited (2023)
Anggel's Share (2023)
Japan Myriad (2024) New York Wine Traders (2024) Food Business Road Co. Ltd. (2024) Vanfellows Ltd (2023)
Apero wineshop KK (2023)
Wine Diamonds (2023)
Colonial Trade KK Grape Off KK Kiwa Corporation Selesta Co Hakurai Wine Trading Co Village Cellars - Honorary Member Farmstone - Honorary Member
New Zealand CoLab Wine Merchants
Singapore Hai Choo Wines & Spirits Ang Leong Huat Little Farms
South Korea Momentum Wine Company Co. Ltd. (2024) BK Trading (2024) VIN UHM Co. Ltd. (2024) Dongwon Wineplus (2023) Today F&B (2023)
Avec Wines (2023)
Able Liquor (2023)
Winell (2023) Purpledog Vin Rare Co Kooksoondang Vinokims & Co interwine VinoH U Wine - Honorary Member Keumyang - Honorary Member Ayoung - Honorary Member Lotte Chilsung - Honorary Member Shinsegae L&B - Honorary Member Nara Cellar - Honorary Member Plateau Wine Trading - Honorary Member
Thailand
Bangkok Beer and Beverages (2024) Bespoke Fine Wine Co. Ltd. (2024)
Vietnam
Bettychoice (2024) Navido (2023)
Thien Linh (2023)
RADA Vietnam (2023)
Contact the South Australian Wine Ambassadors Club
Ann-Marie Battista
South Australian Wine Ambassadors Club, Importers Program
