Two leading Australian Sommeliers selected to attend prestigious ÖTW Single Vineyard Summit in Austria
Sommeliers Australia is proud to announce that Leanne Altmann (Trader House) and Alex Meikle-Briggs (Grossi Florentino) have been selected to participate in the ÖTW Single Vineyard Summit, taking place from 8–12 September 2025 at the historic Grafenegg Castle Park, Austria.
This newly formed partnership marks Sommeliers Australia’s first official collaboration with the Österreichische Traditionsweingüter (ÖTW), enabling two Australian sommeliers to attend one of Austria’s most exciting and intellectually demanding wine tastings. The annual Summit is widely regarded as the premier opportunity to explore Austria’s best site-specific wines, with a focus on Erste Lagen (Premier Cru) and emerging Grosse Lagen (Grand Cru) classifications.
Michael Tischler-Zimmermann, Managing Director of Österreichische Traditionsweingüter stated:
“Sommeliers Australia’s participation highlights the growing international relevance of Austrian wine. For the ÖTW and our export-oriented member wineries, it’s vital to connect with top sommeliers who shape global wine perception. Their presence supports our mission to make Austria’s complex wine landscape, especially through our Erste Lage classification, more accessible and understandable to international professionals and consumers alike.”
This initiative forms part of Sommeliers Australia’s ongoing commitment to fostering professional development and international engagement. By providing access to benchmark global experiences, the organisation aims to strengthen the connection between Australia’s sommelier community and the broader world of wine.
About the Sommeliers
Leanne Altmann is a sommelier and wine communicator based in Melbourne, Australia. A 2009 Len Evans scholar and perpetual student of wine, Leanne holds the WSET Diploma, where she was the top Australian graduate for her year, and the Court of Master Sommeliers Advanced Certificate, dux. She furthered her wine service and education through the Negociants Australia Working with Wine Fellowship, the Ruinart Sommelier Challenge, and the 2018 Vin de Champagne Award. In 2019, Leanne was named Gourmet Traveller Magazine’s Sommelier of the Year.
A passionate wine educator, Leanne is a Certified WSET Educator, with extensive experience judging in regional and capital city wine shows. She is also Chief of Judges for Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show. Since 2017, Leanne has led the beverage programs across Trader House venues including Cutler, Supernormal, Gimlet, Apollo Inn and Bar Miette.
“Austria is one of the most dynamic wine countries in the world right now, and this is evident in the changes that we’ve seen in the classifications over the last few years. Of course, I’m aiming to return to Australia with a deeper comprehension of the Erste Lagen and any potential Grosse Lagen, and how they present across vintages – there’s no better place to learn than the ÖTW Single Vineyard Summit. But there’s so much still to explore for Austrian wine in Australia’s contemporary dining scene, for guests and sommeliers alike – varietal discovery, textural interest, regional diversity and the balance of classic and avant garde. I can’t wait to share my discoveries!”
“The ÖTW Single Vineyard Summit offers an incredibly unique opportunity to experience some of Austria’s finest wines. I’m especially looking forward to understanding the winemakers’ philosophies and how they choose to showcase the terroir. The opportunity to witness the winemakers’ passion, methods, and challenges while learning the region’s history is invaluable. One of the aspects I’m most eager for is gaining a deeper appreciation for single-site wines and the subtle differences between Wachau, Leithaberg, and Thermenregion. I truly believe that through tasting, learning, and connecting with the people behind the wines, my understanding of the region will grow exponentially.”
