South Australia's (SA) world- renowned wineries on Wednesday said they hope to tap into China's burgeoning wine market with a trade mission and wine tastings.
Twelve wineries, including Belvidere, Chalk Hill and Bethany, spanning every wine growing region in the state are being represented on a mission to China, SA Minister for Industry and Trade Tom Koutsantonis said.
"The rapidly expanding Chinese middle class is creating outstanding opportunities for South Australian wine," the minister said in a statement.
"There are between 50 and 250 million potential wine drinkers in China.
"Wine is South Australia's fifth largest export to China, worth 49 million dollars (42.7 million U.S. dollars) -- and the market is still in its infancy."
The trip will include visits to major wine retailers and distributors and there will be tastings with invited guests, and a Wine Showcase Dinner for influential wine distributors and wholesalers in Shanghai and Qingdao, China.