Applications are now open for the 2023 Australian Organic Wine Awards, hosted Australian Organic Limited (AOL) with the aim of showcasing the highest quality organic and biodynamic wines in the country.
The competition is open to all commercially available certified organic wines across red, white and sparkling varieties.
Mike Bennie will return as Chief Judge for this year’s event, alongside Negociants Key Account Manager, Ramon Arnavas and Group Beverage Director at STK Group, Alexandra McPherson.
As the recipient of last year’s Australian Organic Wine Awards Associate Scholarship, sommelier and writer, Olivia Evans, joins the judging panel, along with this year’s recipient of the Scholarship, sommelier Sophia Gannon.
Gannon will also receive mentoring sessions from industry leaders on the Australian organic and wine industries, wine tasting and judging.
“I have a deep passion for organic and sustainable practices, both in my personal and professional life,” Gannon said.
“This scholarship will provide me further exposure and opportunities in the wine industry to help build my leadership potential.
“I believe working with such a diverse range of mentors will help mould me into a talented force who hopefully can inspire other women to get into the industry.”
AOL Chief Executive Officer, Niki Ford, said the Awards are a chance to celebrate the rich array of talent across the industry.
“The robust quality of entrants in previous years highlights the quality and wide variety of home-grown organic wines our thriving industry is producing,” Ford said.
“Organic wines are highly sought after around the world and this competition allows our hard-working producers to benchmark their best drops in competition.”
Applications for the 2023 Awards close on Friday, June 9, with the winners announced in September.