Wine Resources International has the specific aim of catering to the growing international interest in quality Australian wines. As well as Estate Wines, Wine Resources buys wines in bulk to produce consistent styles which we know suit the requirements of particular markets. These can be made available under our own proprietary labels or under a packaging chosen by, or designed especially for, our clients.
Only companies that have a licence to export are permitted to send wine out of Australia. Licences are granted by Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation (AWBC), a Commonwealth Government Statutory Marketing Authority established under the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Act (1980). The objectives of the AWBC is to ensure that Australian wines intended for export are sound and merchantable and do not detract from the established reputation Australian wine exporters have developed.
Australian Wine Export Licensing:
When assessing an application for a wine export licence, certain prescribed criteria are taken into consideration. They include the financial standing of the applicant, the applicants ability to obtain grape products from Australian suppliers, and other matters applicable to the applicant's experience relating to the promotion of wine, including any that may adversely affect the export of wine. Furthermore the applicant must have a place of business in Australia.
Australian Wine Export Approval:
The AWBC maintains a panel of Wine Inspectors of the highest integrity, qualification and experience. The inspectors are industry members and ideally have experience in wine show judging at a regional or state level. The inspectors are rostered in pairs; one inspector must have a technical/winemaking background, whilst the other may have a commercial background in wine sales or marketing.
The process for obtaining export approval involves sending two finished samples to the AWBC, accompanied by copies of the labels and by a Continuing Approval Application. The wine undergoes several examinations. The labelling and analytical detail provided is checked for compliance with domestic requirements, including the blending regulations. Compliance with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (FSC) is required where the import market has no requirements that conflict with the FSC. Where the destination country has specific requirements, the product must comply with the import markets requirements and with the FSC in every other respect. Finally the product is masked and presented to the Wine Inspectors for a sensory evaluation. Following the evaluation the inspectors must satisfy themselves that the wine reasonably reflects the grape varieties claimed on the label, that there is nothing on the label or certificate which is questionable in light of their evaluation, and may require a subsequent independent analysis if necessary.
Authorisation:
Every shipment of wine above 100 litres of Australian wine must be authorised by The Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation. The Shipping Application incorporates information such as licensed exporter details, consignee, vessel, products, product approval numbers, quantities, and values. Where the export complies with the requirements the AWBC will authorise the consignment, and return a permit number to the exporter for application of the ECN (Exit Clearance Number) from the Australian Customs Service.
