(KH) - Australia’s scorching sun and mineral-rich soil provide excellent conditions for growing grapes. Australians’ innovativeness, adventurism and love of alcohol has led to the production of some of the finest wines in the world.

In an effort to get more of this wine flowing in Korea, the event “Discover New Australian Wines 2014” was held at Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul on Nov. 24, introducing 170 premium wines from 21 wineries in Australia to Korean importers, retailers and journalists.

“Today’s Australian winemakers are on the cutting edge of the industry. With over 150 years in perfecting the art and science of winery, our expertise is equivalent to Europe,” Australian Ambassador to Korea Bill Paterson said in a keynote speech at the wine-tasting event. “This showcase will form new connections and present renewed opportunities for long-term partnerships between Australia and Korea.”

Australia has 65 major winemaking regions, making it the world’s sixth-largest producer after France, Chile, Italy, the United States and Spain.

The island continent’s sundry terroir, including the Riverina, Tumbarumba, Hilltops and Orange regions, produces a full spectrum of flavors that range from full-bodied to light. The mineral content in the water holds its tannin structure, which preserves the taste as it ages in the barrels.

“Wine is not just a red liquid. It is the blood of the terra rossa, the sweat of the winemaker that toils the land,” said Viviana Ferrari, a Melbourne-based wine-producer who is also a concert pianist, musicologist and historian. “Wine speaks of the land we love so much. Producing wine makes one contemplate about the good life.”