It’s time for New Zealand winemakers to put their vintages where their sales pitches are with the announcement of the second annual Spiegelau International Wine Competition.
The Marlborough-based competition, which is now open for entries, attracted more than 1,100 New Zealand and international wines last year.
The competition features high profile judges from the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
The Chief Judge is Mike DeGaris of Sydney and the judging panel includes Melbourne author, wine writer and Cuisine Magazine contributor, Ralph Kyte-Powell and Pernod-Ricard’s London-based Global Director of Wine, Adrian Atkinson.
New Zealand judges include writer Jane Skilton, winemaking consultant Olly Masters, Simon Nunns from Coopers Creek and Warren Gibson of Trinity Hill.
Competition director, Belinda Jackson says the Spiegelau International Wine Competition expects to attract around 1200 wines from all over the world this year.
“We had exceptional feedback from our inaugural event and the wine fraternity grapevine being what it is we expect very good support again this year,” she said.
Ms Jacksonsaid the competition offered benefits to both wine producers and consumers.
“Brands obtain significant promotional opportunities within the industry and among media while consumers get a valuable, independent benchmark by which to judge their favourite wines or to seek out new ones.
“And for those who are less confident, it’s a good independent reference point when faced by a huge wall of wines in-store.”
Gold medal and trophy-winning wines will be available for tasting in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch during October.
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