ONLINE entries for the 2018 Limestone Coast Wine Show are now open, with the region’s top drops set to be scrutinised by a new-look judging line-up packed with experience and credentials.
In a competition first, 10 judges will oversee the event rather than the traditional six, reflecting the strong participation of local producers.
Three judging panels will be led by acclaimed Tasmania-based winemaker and consultant Samantha Connew, who takes over from popular Melbourne wine critic Jane Faulkner as the new chief of judges.
In 2007, Ms Connew was named International Red Winemaker of the Year and she was the first female chair of judges at the Sydney Royal Wine Show.
She has previously worked as a senior winemaker in the Hunter Valley and McLaren Vale and launched her Tasmanian solo project Stargazer Wines in 2013.
This year’s guest international judge is New Zealand wine judge and author Sam Kim, who publishes the online wine review magazine Wine Orbit.
Mr Kim holds a certificate in winemaking and has been judging wine for two decades at wine competitions, including The Air New Zealand Wine Awards, Decanter Asia Wine Awards and The Spiegelau International Wine Competition.
Further high-profile wine show judges hail from Margaret River, Melbourne, Griffith, Adelaide and the Limestone Coast, bringing an unprecedented level of scrutiny and palate diversity to the program.
Between them, they will be tasting an estimated 500 of the region’s favourite wines at the Coonawarra Hall from October 22 to 26.
Last year’s wine show unearthed the broadest list of trophy winners in the event’s history, with all Limestone Coast regions represented.
It saw a near record haul of 72 gold medals, with 92 silver and 142 bronze also awarded.
Organisers are hoping for similar success in 2018 on the back of a strong vintage.
“The wine show offers a great opportunity for wineries to have their wines tasted by some of the top palates and influencers in the wine world and we encourage all Limestone Coast producers to get on board and enter,” wine show committee member Sarah Pidgeon.
“This year for the first time, we are also opening classes to 2018 bottled red wines, reflecting the growing popularity of ‘early release’ fresh drinking styles.”
Entries can be lodged at limestonecoastwine.com.au and printed schedule booklets will be posted out to past entrants.
Trophy winners will be announced on October 25 at a dinner at Naracoorte Town Hall hosted by the Wrattonbully Wine Region.
