The initiative was considered to be the biggest collaborative effort in the history of the Australian wine industry.

Wine Australia Asia director Lucy Anderson told the Grapegrower & Winemaker the idea behind the initiative is to represent and promote Australian wine in China.

Part of that, she says, involved building ?friendships' and engaging the Chinese leaders with the Australian way of life.

PaulettWines hostd this very happy group on the 5/4/11 for dinner. They loved the valley's wines and produce, and were very keen to take their knowledge back home to "spread the news".

It was another successful weekend and a good time was had by all!

The weather was fine, the food divine, the music was sweet

and the wine was....... well.....perfect, of course!

On Saturday we had a vertical tasting of the Antonina Riesling and the Andreas Shiraz - going back

over 10 years with the Andreas and 5 with the Antonina.  It was a great opprtunity for people to

experience these rare wines whilst chatting to world renound winemaker Neil Paulett and protege

Matthew Paulett.

KP Catering did a fantastic job offering mouth watering dishes to please every taste.  Gourmet delights

were on offer both Staurday and Sunday with recreations of family favourites made using Clare Valley

produce.

We also had live music on both days with "Man from Baldry" keeping the crowds entertained throughout

Saturday and Sunday morning, and Johnny Loves Lounge on Sunday afternoon.  Every foot was tapping

and there was even a bit of dancing going on!

The golf was a hit!! - with many bottles of wine being won by those clever enough to hit the

wine barrel with their swing - Well done!

Hope to see you all again next year!!

Did you know Stage One of the SANTOS Tour Down Under started in Clare, kicking off the annual UCI ProTour season for 2010?

This means Clare was the first stop on the world cycling calendar this year!

The "Clare Valley Breakaway Festival" ran from 16-19 January and the entire district was full of action with a wide range of events catering for all age groups.

One major event was the "Clare Valley Breakaway Street Party" on Monday 18th from 5pm - 8pm. A great night showcasing Clare Valley Wines, local gourmet produce and great entertainment!

Paulett Wines were at the "Clare Valley Breakaway Street Party" on Monday night - and it really was a great night!

Many people came to Clare for the weekend - enjoyed the community events, came to the street party on Monday night and stayed for the race start on Tuesday morning at 11am.

It's was great opportunity to be involved in this world sporting event while enjoying the best that Clare Valley has to offer.  Maybe we will get the chance to do it all again next year?

For more information contact:

Clare Valley Information Centre

Freecall: 1800 242 131

Phone: (08) 8842 2131

Email: ask@clarevalley.com.au

For full Santos Tour Down Under Program - www.tourdownunder.com.au