We were two of only six Australians at the Congress. The experience was amazing, and we met many equally passionate winemakers and grapegrowers from around the world including Austria (Of course!), South Africa, Germany, Croatia, France, New Zealand and Italy.

The highlight of the Congress was a tour to two Austrian wineries, Polz and Gross, in the Styrian region in the south east of Austria. A feature of sauvignon blanc winemaking in Austria, is the extensive use of oak barrels and vats in their premium wines, and maturing their wines in contact with yeast lees for 12 to 18 months.

Cathy reported on the Congress for the Australian Grapegrower and Winemaker magazine,  and click on Article to download the full report.