The region’s smallest wine producers now have the opportunity to take part in the Limestone Coast Wine Show.
Entries for 2010 event being held from October 26-29 are open, and the introduction of a 'Small Batch Class' will provide a platform for new and innovative wines which may not meet the volume criteria for the other open classes of the show.
“The new entry category is part of a commitment to promoting the Wine Show as an all-inclusive, multi-regional wine event encompassing the entire Limestone Coast,” said chief steward Sarah Squire.
“It will also allow smaller producers who have planted small vineyards in other parts of the Limestone Coast including Mount Gambier to take part.”
The ‘Small Batch Class’ is a direct result of feedback from the Limestone Coast Wine Show’s 2009 international judge Andrew Jefford, who suggested that it is a great way to experience new techniques while providing an opportunity for smaller producers to qualify for entry.
The required minimum volume is 25 cases (225L) production at time of entry, and the class is open to table wine styles up to five years old which are commercially available but not necessarily labelled.
“This will undoubtedly unearth some truly interesting wines from the region,” says Mrs Squire.
“We are expecting that there will be a good number of wines that qualify and that it will be a high quality line up – we are hoping to attract alternative varieties, fermentation trials, barrel trial, vineyard trials, etc. The list is endless!”
Registrations for the 10th anniversary event may be completed on-line at www.limestonecoastwine.com.au before the September 3 deadline.