For Fremantle Arts Centre general manager Tony Bonney, finding the right wine supplier was all about matching culture and brands.
The match with Galafrey Wines has earned his business a best first-time partnership State Arts Sponsorship Scheme award.
Mr Bonney said securing the right wine supplier had been difficult.
“We had a number of wine producers contacting us expressing interest in supplying to us but we were really looking for the right mix,” he said.
“We wanted something that added to the experience for our guests.
“Galafrey offers them [clients] something they can’t get anywhere else. They provide us with product support and training our staff and give us tasting notes so our staff know what they’re pouring.”
Galafrey Wines has provided wine, free of charge, at all Fremantle Art Centre events, since September last year.
Galafrey Wines manager Kim Tyrer said the sponsorship was providing benefits for the 25-year-old winery.
“It’s the first time we’ve done anything like this and it’s a fair amount of wine for a small family business but at the same time it’s been very well received and promoted and that’s why we like it. We wanted people to try our product, and I don’t think many people would have heard about us or tried the wine,” he said.
“It’s been really valuable and we held our own function here and the Fremantle Arts Centre’s beer sponsor, Little Creatures, donated beer to us and all the proceeds went to the local hospital so the partnerships just keep growing.”
Emirates Airlines was a joint winner with Fremantle Arts Centre.
Emirate Airlines invested in a sponsorship deal with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra providing prizes, promotions, and gaining naming rights and hospitality opportunities.