Australian wine producers have the chance to be rewarded and recognised, with entries opening today for the Royal Queensland Wine Show (RQWS).

The competition is Australia’s first capital city wine show of the season, with a team of 26 judges including winemakers, sommeliers, restaurateurs, retailers and educators the first to taste the new season’s vintage, setting the benchmark for the industry. 

The producer behind Australia’s best wine will be awarded the prestigious Angelo Puglisi Grand Champion Wine of Show trophy and receive a $12,000 RNA fellowship to be used for travel, training and education to further their winemaking skills.

Chief Judge Jim Chatto said two new trophy awards had also been introduced this year, focusing on the newer ‘emerging’ varieties and blends. 

“We have a trophy specifically for varieties of Italian origin being awarded to the Best Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Nero D’Avola, Barbera, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo and blends thereof of show, as well as the Best Genache of Show,” he said.

“There is growing consumer interest in these varieties and blends, as they are quickly becoming very important to the Australian wine industry for their suitability to our warmer and arid climates.”

The RQWS has also introduced a new competition class and award for small batch and/or experimental wines, encouraging further innovation and experimentation in the industry.

Emerging winemakers will again have the chance to be recognised, through the Treasury Brisbane Emerging Queensland Winemaker of the Year Award.

The winner will not only attend the Advanced Wine Assessment Course (AWAC), but will this year have the opportunity to enter into a 12-month commercial agreement with Treasury Brisbane to sell an agreed range in their wide array of restaurants and bars.

Winemakers entering the RQWS will also have the chance to showcase their top drops to more than 800 consumers at the Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show’s (RQFWS) Grape Grazing event on Friday 9 July.

Entries must be in by Friday 30 April, with judging taking place from Monday 28 June and the winners to be announced at an awards presentation in July.

To enter go to www.rqfws.com.au