By Andy Young

Wine Australia is encouraging Australian sommeliers, venue managers and restaurateurs to support Aussie Wine Month in May.

Venues can get behind the initiative, described as the country\'s biggest celebration of wine, by creating an all Australian wines-by-the-glass list throughout May.

In a statement, Wine Australia said: "We\'re calling on sommeliers, venue managers and restaurateurs across Australia to get behind our local wines and winemakers and come up with a creative Australian wines-by-the-glass promotion throughout the month of May, so diners can get a chance to taste some top local drops during Aussie Wine Month.

"Australia produces some of the world’s best wines and we’re encouraging sommeliers and restaurants to ensure Australian wines are front and centre throughout the month of May."

Everyone who enters the Australian-wine-by-the-glass promotion will be in the running to win a week-long trip to experience some of Australia\'s wine regions including Riverina, King Valley, Mount Benson and Langhorne Creek as part of the Trade Immersion Program (TIP) trip, which will be held in June.

Venues are encouraged to get creative with their promotions and the competition winner will be judged on creativity, a clear focus on Australian wine, their ability to promote their Australian wines-by-the-glass offering through social media and other networks and the thought behind the selection.

Sommelier and wine consultant Samantha Payne said: "I have always been a huge supporter of the Aussie Wine Month by-the-glass program. Last year I matched Australian wines to Asian style foods at China Lane.

"This year I\'m working with Australian wine at Governor\'s Table inside the Museum of Sydney, Bar at the End of the Wharf and the Museum of Contemporary Art. We\'re showcasing a range of varieties and styles from across the whole of Australia."

Full details on the competition and on how to enter can be found at the Aussie Wine Month website.

Source | The Shout.