Last call for winemakers to enter consumer-focused awards

Media release

09 May 2012

Last call for winemakers to enter New Zealand’s premier consumer-focused wine awards

Entries are open for the 2012 New World Wine Awards. In addition to the distinction of an award that recognises quality on the same international scale as all other wine competitions, winning winemakers are guaranteed national distribution and extensive brand exposure, driving sustained sales.

In 2011, winners saw wine disappear off shelves in record time. Over 250,000 bottles of the 50 top wines, with a retail value in excess of $3.3m, were sold throughout New World supermarkets in the first six weeks of the award results being announced. The Champion White Wine, Mount Riley Riesling 2011, sold out nationwide in 10 days.

Amy Murphy of Mount Riley wines is enthusiastic about the benefits of entering the competition and says that winning the Champion White Wine in 2011 has grown the brand significantly throughout New Zealand.

“Winemakers should definitely enter these awards as it is the only wine competition where medals translate directly into sales. The support we’ve received from New World has helped us achieve sustained growth with the success of our Riesling flowing on to increased sales of our other wines,” says Ms Murphy.

The New World Wine Awards use the same internationally-recognised points system as other leading wine competitions, ensuring that winning wines are the best examples of their type. The only difference is that all wines entered must retail for below $25 a bottle. This means the awards are the premier consumer-focused awards competition in New Zealand because affordability and availability of the wines are key criteria for entry.

“The wine industry is highly competitive, and the credibility of the awards combined with a distinguished judging panel, means consumers can be guaranteed top-quality wines at affordable prices," says Jim Harré, Chair of the judging panel.

An independent panel of 13 expert winemakers and commentators will blind-taste each wine entered in the awards over two days in Wellington. This year the panel will be joined by Mike de Garis, an international wine consultant who has over 20 years industry experience and knowledge about what makes a top wine.

The judges will award Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, and convene to select the Champion red, white and bubbles overall. The Top 50 wines will be showcased in 141 New World stores nationwide, online and in the New World Wine Awards booklet. All 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 1 June. All details are at www.wineshow.co.nz.

ENDS

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