Leading wine judges and winemakers to gather in Kiama

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Leading wine judges and regional winemakers will be gathering at the new Kiama Showground Pavilion for the sixth annual Kiama Regional Wine Show from 16–19 of September 2009.

The opening event will be the official judging on Wednesday 16 September. Renowned fourth generation Hunter Valley winemaker, Keith Tulloch will again serve as chairman of judges. Winemaker and international wine judge Christian Gaffey will serve as panel chair supported by judges Bryan Martin and Fergus McGhie. Jonathan Holgate and Sherryl Sherson will participate as associate judges. The judging is the essential element of the show and will be held behind closed doors according to strict industry standards.

Being a truly 'regional' wine show it is only open to wines made exclusively from grapes grown in the Shoalhaven Coast and Southern Highlands wine regions and neighbouring districts. Last year, 140 different wines were entered and an increased proportion of wines awarded medals; particularly bronze medals. When asked about bronze versus silver and gold medals, wine judge Christian Gaffey said, “What a bronze medal means is that it is a very sound wine that shows all the hallmarks of the variety. You really want to see more bronze medals across the board because it means that wines are faultless – showing the expression of the variety. If the show continues to keep giving our more and more bronze medals each year, that means that the overall standard is coming up. That is really important”.

Exhibitors will participate in private tastings with the judges on Thursday 17 September where results will be reviewed and ideas regarding techniques discussed. This one-on-one feedback with vignerons and winemakers is an important component of the show.

The show will culminate with a gala trade and presentation dinner on Saturday 19 September at the new Kiama Showground Pavilion. This black-tie dinner has become a 'must attend event' with local wine enthusiasts. As well as the presentation of awards, wine judges will discuss results and review the state of the regional wine industry. Results will be published in the annual Regional Wine Guide; 5000 copies of which will be distributed to tourism sites throughout the region.

Enquires regarding sponsorship, calls for entries, wine guides or tickets for the gala dinner should be made to Carole Johnston of JAi Events at +612 4237 5554 or