Australian wine makers are invited to enter the 2022 Royal Queensland Wine Show (RQWS) with entries open this week and closing on 27 May.
This year’s show features a team of 26 judges including winemakers, sommeliers, restaurateurs, retailers and educators.
Chief Judge Tom Carson said the panel was looking forward to this year’s event after cancellation of the 2020 RQWS, and the mid-judging lockdown and subsequent part judging of the 2021 show.
“We recognise how tough the past two years have been for wine producers, particularly small, boutique wineries, and we are enormously grateful for the industry’s ongoing support,’’ Carson said.
“Our judging panel comprises some of the best palates in Australia who are looking forward to judging many quality wines in the coming months.
“Remaining at the forefront of the national show system, the RQWS has introduced three new awards in the last three years focused on newer emerging varieties and blends which are becoming increasingly important for consumers and winemakers alike.”
Carson said the awards include Best Varieties of Italian Origin of Show; Best Grenache of Show; and Best Small Batch of Show.
“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 Grenache of Show,” he said.
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 have the opportunity to enter 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 hundreds of consumers at the Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show’s (RQFWS) Grape Grazing event on Friday 15 July.
Entries close on Friday 27 May, with judging taking place from Monday 4 July and the winners to be announced at an awards presentation in July.