Tasmanian wine producer targeting Korean market

South Korea and India are largely unexplored export destinations for Australian wine producers.

Both have large populations with increasingly western focused young populations offering immense potential.

Josef Chromy Wines from Tasmania is one the wineries taking advantage and has partnered with Choix Trading to launch in South Korea’s on-trade sectors, wine industry news hub the drinks business has reported.

Choix Trading is operated by Avec Wine, an importer and distributor with offices in Seoul and Busan.

Avec says on its website: “We import and distribute wines that are not merely for drinking and getting drunk, but to further enhance gatherings with good people."

Josef Chromy Wines has worked with Choix Trading to launch a collection targeting leading Korean sommeliers and hospitality venues. 

The South Korean collection features Josef Chromy Riesling 2024; Chardonnay 2024; Pinot Noir 2024; Sparkling Cuvée NV; Sparkling Rosé NV; and Zdar Chardonnay 2024.

Founded by transplanted Czech native Josef Chromy in 2007, the estate boasts a 61-hectare vineyard at Relbia, south of Launceston.

Choix Trading is a boutique importer recently established to concentrate on higher-end vintages for on-trade channels.

“Josef Chromy Wines represents the type of high quality, terroir-driven estate we are committed to introducing to South Korea’s on-trade market,” said Taeho Choi, CEO with Choix Trading.

“We look forward to building the brand with our on-trade partners and sharing Tasmania’s distinctive cool-climate style with the Korean hospitality sector.”

New destination in South Korea opens up for Australians

Australian travellers have a new - and affordable way - to fly to South Korea.

AirAsia X today restarted direct services from Kuala Lumpur to Busan (above) with connections from Australia and New Zealand to one of the key Korean tourism destinations.

And fares from Australia to Busan start from $372.

Australians can fly from Sydney, Melbourne and Perth to Busan via Kuala Lumpur on AirAsia X.

The inaugural flight departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport yesterday, landing at Gimhae International Airport.

Busan is the airline’s 15th destination and the second in South Korea, with three times a week flights to/from Kuala Lumpur.

“Australians and New Zealanders love South Korea and Koreans love Australia and also New Zealand, which they can now fly to at great value fares connecting via our main hub in Kuala Lumpur," says AirAsia X Malaysia CEO Benyamin Ismail.

“We are excited to restart this historically very popular route and proud to be the only airline in Malaysia operating direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Busan, a city of many tourism drawcards.

“Together with our existing route to Seoul, this further strengthens our foothold in South Korea and increases our overall capacity to North Asia - one of our fastest growing markets. We will continue to look for expansion opportunities in the future and work with BTO to promote the destination globally and invigorate the tourism industry in Busan.”

Fares from Sydney/Melbourne/Perth to Busan are on sale now from $372, inclusive of airport taxes, fuel surcharges and any other applicable charges. The boking period for that fare is from now until February 19 for a travel period between February 3 and October 28.

Book through the AirAsia Super App and see https://www.visitbusan.net/.