Editor’s Note – September 2019


[Editor’s Note]
Margaret River on Tour Kuala Lumpur 2019

 
Headed over to Pullman KLCC on 24 August 2019 for Margaret River on Tour Kuala Lumpur 2019 which is an initiative by Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association, Australia’s South West and Margaret River Wine Association. It first landed in Singapore in 2016 and has been running for consecutive three (3) years now, and following the success in the Lion city, made its way north with the inaugural Kuala Lumpur chapter organised by Thirst Media.
The event which saw over 300 guests pack the Blu Bar & Cigar Lounge in Pullman KLCC, brought 10 brands from the Margaret River region of Western Australia – including Cape Mentelle, Churchview Estate, Flametree, Howard Park, Pierro Margaret River Vineyards, Vasse Felix, Voyager Estate, Woody Nook, and Xanadu for wines, and the Margaret River Distilling Company for a selection of whiskies and gins.
Among the notable guests were General Manager of Pullman KLCC Wolfgang Kiesel, as well as Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner for Austrade, Daniel Havas. In his opening speech, Havas said “Margaret River is one of the most renowned wine regions in Australia, known not only for their top quality wines but for their outstanding food and serene beaches. While the Margaret River region produces less than 3 per cent of Australia’s wine, it accounts for more than a fifth of its premium wines. There are over 180 wineries to choose from, each with something different to offer so honestly, it’s hard to go wrong.”
He shared more about the wine trade, adding “There were 94 million cases of Aussie wines sold around the world last year, which is an increase of 5% in volume. The value of this is up by 10% to A$2.8 billion. Red wine now makes up 76% of Australia’s wine exports. Malaysia is Australia’s 10th most valuable wine export market, with A$32 million of wine exported in 2018.” And this bodes well for the first ever Margaret River on Tour stop in KL.
  
The wine masterclass led by Amanda Whiteland from Margaret River Wine Association
  
The day began with a masterclass led by Amanda Whiteland from Margaret River Wine Association, featuring a panel comprising of winemakers Brendan Carr from Xanadu Wines, Travis Lemm from Voyager Estate, and Cliff Royle from Flametree. The masterclass was attended by industry sommeliers, distributors, and restaurant managers, and included a seven-wine Chardonnay tasting.
  

 
Joining the wineries on the day was a selection of prints from Russell Ord Photography – as well as the world-famous photographer himself – showcasing the breath-taking natural beauty of Western Australia; a cultural performance featuring the didgeridoo and drum by Wadandi custodian Josh “Koomal” Whiteland of Koomal Dreaming, an organisation that conducts cultural experiences of the region through the eyes of the traditional Wadandi and Bibbulman owners; plus a cooking demonstration by Chef Evan Hayter of Arimia Estate, using sustainably-grown Australian abalone and local black truffles from Western Australia.
  

Russell Ord Photography exhibition
cultural performance featuring the didgeridoo and drum by Wadandi custodian Josh “Koomal” Whiteland of Koomal Dreaming

Cooking demonstration by Chef Evan Hayter of Arimia Estate

I got caught in the act of taking a wefie

Ruby and I with Michael from Briar Ridge Wines whom we met earlier this year during the pairing dinner at Roost
Kassey and I with Caning and Monica from renowned F&B site The Yum List – love their quality content!
Lost count of the number of wines we tasted but I would think easily more than 40 wines and liquors
  
Luxury Escapes ran a lucky draw to win an all-expenses paid trip to the Margaret River region worth RM3,000, plus offering luggage tags, complimentary head and neck massage, chocolates provided by Bahen & Co, and G&Ts with gin from Giniversity to complete the full experience.
For more info, head over to https://thirstmag.com/
Photo Credits: Thirst Mag and author’s own