Entries open for Spiegelau International Wine Competition

Media release
2 July 2012

Entries now open for the 2012 Spiegelau International Wine Competition

It’s time for New Zealand winemakers to put their vintages where their sales pitches are with the announcement of the second annual Spiegelau International Wine Competition.

The Marlborough-based competition attracted more than 1,100 New Zealand and international wines in its inaugural year. Entries for the 2012 competition are now open.

Spiegelau is sending producers an information pack inviting them to enter the competition and entry details can be found on the Spiegelau website http://www.thespiegelauiwc.co.nz

Befitting its international label, the competition features judges from the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

Competition director, Belinda Jackson says the Spiegelau International Wine Competition expects to attract around 1200 wines from all over the world this year.

“We had exceptional feedback from our inaugural event and the wine fraternity grapevine being what it is we expect very good support again this year.

“Importantly, there are benefits provided by the competition for both the successful wines and New Zealand consumers,” Ms Jackson says. “Brands obtain significant promotional opportunities within the industry and among media while consumers get a valuable, independent benchmark by which to judge their favourite wines or to seek out new ones.

“And for those who are less confident, it’s a good independent reference point when faced by a huge wall of wines in-store.”

Chief Judge is Mike DeGaris of Sydney and the judging panel includes Melbourne author, wine writer and Cuisine Magazine contributor, Ralph Kyte-Powell and Adelaide-based international wine consultant Phil Reedman MW.

From the UK comes Pernod-Ricard’s London-based Global Director of Wine, Adrian Atkinson. New Zealand judges include writer Jane Skilton MW, winemaking consultant Olly Masters, Simon Nunns from Coopers Creek and Warren Gibson of Trinity Hill.

“We have a terrific judging team and look forward to delivering another great event in the New Zealand wine calendar.”

Gold medal and trophy-winning wines will be available for tasting in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch during October. The event is owned and organised by Wine Competition Ltd.

Ends

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