MORE than 100 wine buyers, sommeliers and journalists from more than 80 countries are touring wineries across Bendigo and Heathcote this week as part of a state government sponsored trade mission.
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Delegates from Canada, the UK, the United Arab Emirates and countries across Asia including China, Japan and Korea sampled local wines and dined out on the region's history.
Bendigo Winegrower's Association secretary and Sandhurst Ridge Vineyard and Winery co-owner Paul Greblo hosted the delegation during its stay in Bendigo.
He said the initiative was important for the local industry as it got the visitors out of Melbourne and into the regions where wine is made to meet the producers.
"Instead of us going overseas and meeting the various buyers in countries in Asia, we would have them come to us," he said.
"They'll spend time in the region and look at the different styles of wine being produced and also experience the regions themselves for what they are."
Mr Greblo said the international guests had been impressed by the quality of the product on offer.
"Here in the Bendigo region they've responded very well," he said.
"We certainly have a variety of different styles on show here and I think the fact that we are in a region that produces some very rich wine impressed them."
The tour also featured wine masterclasses held at the Central Deborah Gold Mine.
Mr Greblo said Bendigo's gold mining history was intertwined with the history of the area's vineyards.
"Wine isn't just a drink, there's a whole history behind why it's there and why it's produced in a certain place and most people that are very knowledgeable about wine are very interested in that aspect of it."
Heathcote Winegrowers' Association president Phil Meehan said the delegates also sampled local food and experienced Heathcote's stunning bushland.
"We are putting our best foot forward to advance this important local industry and generate even greater understanding and appreciation for our wines on the world market," he said.