Halifax Australian Wine Fair July 17

The Australian Wine Bureau Canada and the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC), will host the first showcase of Australian wines in Nova Scotia.

The Australian Wine Fair will take place on Thursday, July 17 at Pier 21 in Halifax, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. An invitation-only trade session will take place that afternoon.

The walkabout-style tasting will spotlight more than 80 wines from a range of Australian regions and varieties. More than 30 wineries will be represented. A selection of Aussie-inspired finger foods will accompany the wines and an on-site NSLC store will give guests an opportunity to purchase the wines.

"Nova Scotians have a sophisticated palate, and are great supporters of Aussie wines," said Greg Homonylo, director of the Australian Wine Bureau. "The gains we have seen in this market are in step with increases in Australian wine sales worldwide. The Australian Wine Fair on July 17 will be a unique way to recognize and celebrate the success Aussie wines are having in the province."

In the 12 months ended March 31, 2003, Nova Scotians purchased more than 75,000 cases of Australian wine, making Aussie wines the No. 1 import category in Nova Scotia.

The Australian wine community is proud to support the Metro Food Bank Society - Nova Scotia through this event. Food bank volunteers will be on-site to accept donations of non-perishable foods as well as cash.

Tickets will be $35 plus tax, available through select NSLC locations and by calling 1-800-567-5874. Further information on the event can be found on the Web site at www.australianwineexperience.com .

Pier 21, located at 1055 Marginal Rd., is an historic gateway to Canada that will be home to the Aussies for the night. For further information on the venue, see the Web site at www.pier21.ca .