California Wines trade tour returns in May
California Wines is set to return to Australia in 2026 with its national trade roadshow, building on the strong debut of its inaugural tour last year.
The Discover the Golden State of Wine tour will visit Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, delivering a program of tastings and masterclasses aimed at showcasing the diversity of Californian wine styles, varieties and regional expressions to the local trade.
The 2025 tour marked a milestone for the US category, recognised as one of the largest official tastings delivered by a wine industry body in Australia, and the 2026 edition is expected to further strengthen engagement with importers, distributors and on-premise operators.
Hiro Tejima, Joint Regional Director of North Asia & Australasia at California Wines said: “Following the success of our inaugural tour, we are excited to return for a second year, building on the strong connections established with our distribution partners. This next chapter allows us to deepen those relationships while continuing to showcase the diversity and quality of California wines.”
A key feature of this year’s program will be the Australian debut of Kelli A. White, who will lead two masterclasses in each city: ‘Napa Valley, Reconsidered’ and ‘Chardonnay and Pinot Noir of California – by site and by style’.
Tejima added: “We’re also looking forward to having Kelli White lead this year’s masterclass sessions, and winery members of the California Wine Export Program joining us in Australia, offering their expertise and ‘real faces’ of the Golden State of wine.”
Sydney and Melbourne events will also feature visiting Californian producers, including Andy Peay of Peay Vineyards (Sydney only) and Jody Bogle of Bogle Family Vineyards, providing insights into winemaking, winery history and future industry trends.
The tasting line-up will include established labels such as Robert Mondavi, Chateau Montelena, Ridge Vineyards and Matthiasson, alongside new-to-market wines from the California Wine Export Program, including Silver Oak, J. Lohr, Brewer-Clifton and Trinchero Family Estates.
A full program of tastings and masterclasses will be held in Sydney and Melbourne, while Brisbane will host masterclass sessions only, reflecting continued demand for education-led trade engagement across the Australian market.
Tour program details include:
Brisbane (Masterclasses Only):
Wednesday, 13 May at Supernormal Riverside, 443 Queen St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
- 12-1:30pm – Masterclass number one: ‘Chardonnay and Pinot Noir of California – by site and by style’:
- 2:30 – 4pm – Masterclass number two: ‘Napa Valley, Reconsidered’
Sydney Trade Tour and Masterclass:
Tuesday, 19 May at Saltbox, 399 Cleveland St, Redfern NSW 2016
- 11am-12.30pm – Masterclass number one: ‘Chardonnay and Pinot Noir of California – by site and by style’
- 2pm-3.30pm – Masterclass number two: ‘Napa Valley, Reconsidered’
- 1pm-4.30pm – Trade Tasting
Melbourne Trade Tour and Masterclass:
Thursday, 21 May at Zinc Fed Square, Cnr Birrarung Marr Walk &, Russell St Ext, VIC 3000
- 11am-12.30pm – Masterclass number one: ‘Chardonnay and Pinot Noir of California – by site and by style’
- 2pm-3.30pm – Masterclass number two: ‘Napa Valley, Reconsidered’
- 1pm-4.30pm – Trade Tasting
All events are free, but registration is required, and confirmation is required for the masterclasses as numbers are strictly limited. You can register your interest here.
