International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) is once again showcasing its commitment to fostering the local wine industry.
ICC Sydney’s partnership with the NSW Wine Association sees the venue host the state’s annual wine awards as presenting partner for a further two years, after holding the event last Friday.
William Wilson, beverage operations and cellar manager at ICC Sydney, was again one of the 16 expert judges who conducted a three-day blind tasting of nearly 900 wines, awarding 72 gold medals, with select labels then being awarded trophies at the award ceremony.
ICC Sydney chief executive Geoff Donaghy said: “From the very beginning, ICC Sydney has been focussed on supporting regional communities, and this is reflected in our wine collection, which features 92 per cent NSW-sourced labels.
“Our work with the NSW Wine Association is just another way we are strengthening our relationship with local producers, alongside building the presence of local winemakers and brands within our upcoming 2020 wine list.”
Wilson said the calibre of NSW varietals continues to rival some of the best wines around Australia and across the world.
“NSW continues to go from strength to strength, with the awards further cementing the region’s position as a top contender within the national industry,” he said.
“Working with the NSW Wine Association, we’ve been able to recognise some of the incredible labels produced in our home state, which can then be served to more than 1.4 million guests who pass through our doors annually.”
NSW Wine Association president Mark Bourne said ICC Sydney’s support and positive impact within the wine industry was setting an example for other venues to follow.
“ICC Sydney has set a new benchmark for supporting the local wine industry,” he said.
“Even before the venue opened, they committed to delivering a positive impact for NSW winemakers.
“To be the presenting partner of the NSW Wine Awards demonstrates ICC Sydney’s deepening support and commitment to delivering tangible benefits for the NSW wine community.”
