Winemakers Called to Enter Wine Awards

Winemakers Called to Enter Wine Awards That Deliver Genuine Boost in Sales

Entries are open for the 2011 New World Wine Awards, with winemakers from all over New Zealand expected to enter. In addition to the distinction of an award, the competition guarantees winning winemakers national distribution and extensive brand exposure, driving sustained sales.

“The awards are a key channel for reaching discerning consumers who enjoy high quality, affordable wine. The rigour of the judging process and the strong impact success has on sales means that winemakers value the competition very highly,” said Jim Harré, Chair of the judging panel.

Over 210,000 bottles of Top 50 wines valued at $2.8 million were sold at New World stores nationally within six weeks of the 2010 awards. The extensive programme of marketing activity associated with the awards – including advertising, in-store promotion, direct marketing to shoppers and a strong online presence – also means that winning winemakers benefit from brand-building over the long-term.

In 2010, over a thousand wines from 160 vineyards were entered in the awards. Nick Hern, CEO of Eurovintage, maker of the 2010 Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc which won Top White in 2010, says that success at last year's awards has had major benefits for the Dashwood brand.

“The New World Wine Awards are the only wine competition in New Zealand that guarantees a significant volume of sales for the brand owner. Winning last year has deepened the credibility of our brand and is still driving strong sales across the whole Dashwood range.”

The awards use the same internationally-recognised points system as other leading wine awards. An independent panel of 12 expert winemakers and commentators will blind-taste each wine entered in the awards over the course of two days.

This year the panel of experts will be joined by Nick Stock, one of Australia’s most respected and prolific wine commentators, and the author of The Penguin Good Australian Wine Guide.

“We have brought together another world-class judging panel this year. This includes accomplished judges from around New Zealand and Nick, who brings a deep involvement in wine from across the Tasman,” said Mr. Harré.

The judges will award Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, and convene to select the best red, white and bubbles overall. The Top 50 wines from the full array of medal-winners will be showcased online and in the New World Wine Awards booklet.

The awards are the premier consumer-focused awards competition in New Zealand because affordability and availability of the wines are key criteria for entry. Wines entered into the competition must retail for below $25 per bottle, and there must be at least 500 cases of each wine available for sale.

Entries to the awards close on Friday 3 June.

ENDS

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