Launch of D’Arenberg Wine
Speech by
Australian Ambassador, H.E Bill Tweddell
18 April 2007 - Hanoi
Welcomes Ladies and Gentlemen!
It is my great pleasure to welcome you here this evening to enjoy some of Australia’s best wines from d’Arenberg in South Australia.
It’s a special night because we have the added and special pleasure of the wine maker – Chester Osborn – here with us, and I can guarantee you that it will not be long before you all realise why Chester was made “International Wine Personality of the Year” in 2005/6.
Australia has, of course, enjoyed a reputation over several decades now for producing some of the world’s best wines. In 2002, Australia became the world's largest exporter of wine outside of Europe. We have come a long way since 1975 when Australia was a net importer of wine. And yet few people really appreciate the extraordinary depth, breadth and diversity in wines produced across Australia.
Tonight we are going to sample some of the very best wines that Australia has to offer.
I must also say a special thank you to our wonderful friends at LES CELLIERS D'ASIE VIETNAM, and of course the Sofitel Metrople who are supporting this evening with a range of Australia food and condiments. I think I am right in saying that almost everything that you will eat and drink this evening comes from Australian producers.
So enjoy!