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This conversation will likely close out what has been a fascinating 2024. I’m still in Massachusetts immersing myself in the East Coast trade. The year is quickly coming to a close – it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas – and its bloody cold. In fact, I’ve come down with a cold and I’m struggling to fight it off. I honestly feel a bit mentally and physically challenged - No matter, there is one more important conversation to be had, with a distributor who has been championing Australian wine in the US for more than a decade. This conversation is with Gordon Little of Little Peacock Imports.

Gordon launched Little Peacock Imports in 2011 – the same year I graduated from high school! So, he’s had plenty of time to succumb to market forces, the drop of the Australian dollar, the industry trends that appear to have punched the Australian export wine trade in the mouth – yet Gordon is still there, Little Peacock is still operating – and Gordon says there is lots to do. This was a great opportunity to quiz Gordon on what he considers to be the talking points for Australian wine in the US – I ask some questions and he gives some suggestions. Gordon acknowledges that there is lots of work to be done, but the challenge is worth the effort.

The Australian industry needs to focus on depth, consistency, and reliability. It needs to focus on building, maintaining then strengthening relationships – matters challenged by the tyrant of distance but there is more than one way to skin a cat – sorry cats. Gordon very much considers all these things to be worth it, and it’s a cause the Melbourne born expat is very passionate about. Whether you are on the tractor, in the shop or doing anything else, I hope you find this chat insightful – and I hope I didn’t sniffle too much.

Also, given this is likely the last chat of the year, it’s been an incredible year for the CDP and I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for supporting the show. Merry Christmas to all, and I wish you all the blessings of the season.

Now, let’s get on with the show. Ladies and gentlemen, I present Gordon Little of Little Peacock Imports.

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Aaron Ridgway serves as Head of Market for Wine Australia in the Americas, overseeing efforts across the U.S. and Canada. Leading a team of four, his work focuses on education, business development, and market entry for Australian wine in the North American market. Since transitioning from Negociants to Wine Australia in 2016, Aaron has been at the forefront of promoting Australian wine and navigating its performance in a highly competitive landscape.

In my time in the U.S., I’ve interviewed various wine professionals—sommeliers, distributors, and wine directors—about the state of Australian wine. A common theme has emerged: the challenges are many, but the opportunities are equally significant. To complement these private-sector perspectives, I turned to Aaron for his expert view, knowing his role gives him a unique vantage point on the successes and hurdles Australian wine faces.

Although our 50-minute conversation only scratched the surface, it was enough to reveal Aaron’s candid take on the current state of the market and the work needed to unlock its potential. Recent discussions with the Wine Australia team have also strengthened my belief in the opportunities ahead. Success in the U.S. fine wine market—a massive and influential $60 billion industry—will require a united push from all stakeholders. Consistent effort, collaboration, and sustained market engagement are key to building the traction Australian wine needs to thrive.

A big thanks to Aaron for sharing his invaluable insights.

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Kate Webber bends over backwards to give strong representation to Australian wine on her restaurant wine lists. She presents legacy brands, through to brands that represent the unknown middle ground of Australian wine, where the true excitement, innovation and value propositions are to be found. She extends herself and fights to get wines on her lists that ordinary would not be available given the unique three tier system. Kates love affair with Australian wine dates back decades. She was invited to Australia in 2013 as the recipient of a Yalumba Scholarship, a trip allowing her to take a deep dive into Australia’s wine landscape. Shock horror – the experience changed her life.

Kate laments the current state of Australian wine in the USA, while admitting the challenges are complicated. In this conversation we discuss what Kate considers to be the important backdrop to the problem, and the role for both Australian and US stakeholders in stepping up in fighting for Australia’s place in the USA. The USA remains the world’s largest fine wine market, valued at over $60 billion in 2023. For Kate, the time to tackle the market is now, when the times are tough, when the industry is struggling. The industry will bounce and it's important for Aus wine to be a pivotal player in that market when it does. There is so much food for thought in this conversation – what is really a call to action for those in the Australian wine market who want a piece of this very important pie.

At one point towards the start of the interview Kate and I had to manage two very loud patrons who decided to sit themselves right next to us in what was otherwise a very empty café. Kate and I soon relocated, so if you start to notice this, please stick with the interview as the listening gets much easier soon after.

A huge thanks to Kate for joining me.

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