Judging for the 2022 Limestone Coast Wine Show begins on Tuesday October 18. The 21st anniversary event has attracted some of the strongest numbers in history, with more than 475 wines set to be scrutinised by a stellar panel of judges from across Australia and New Zealand.
Tasmania’s Stargazer Wines chief, Samantha Connew, the 2007 International Red Winemaker of the Year, will return for her third year as Chief of Judges, picking up where she left off before the borders were closed during Covid.
“I’m excited about being back in the Limestone Coast and reconnecting with the community there after three years’ absence,” Samantha says. “In addition to seeing what has been happening winemaking and grape growing-wise in that time, I’m really looking forward to meeting a few judges that I haven’t connected with before.”
While the 2021 show was judged by an all-South Australian line-up, this year’s event will also welcome wine experts from Western Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. The show will also see the return of the International Judges Trophy following a Covid pause, with the New Zealand editor of Gourmet Traveller Wine, Jane Skilton MW, scheduled to arrive this Friday.
Jane last attended the event in 2016, and enjoyed the opportunity to see the Limestone Coast’s individual regions first-hand. She declared the 2014 Majella Shiraz her stand-out wine and a worthy trophy winner, and rates the Comté toasted sandwiches served with Champagne at the judges dinner, a Naracoorte Caves tour and being checked into her motel by the owner holding a wombat among other key highlights of her visit.
“I loved my last time in the Limestone Coast. Regional wine shows are the best – an opportunity to see things close up, get under the skin of a place, see what makes it work,” she says. “The wines were tremendous but the spirit of the place, the people – that’s what I’m looking forward to again.”
Judging begins Tuesday morning at Penola’s Rymill Hall, with the winners set to be revealed at the highly anticipated trophy dinner on Thursday October 20 at the Robe Mechanics Institute. A limited number of dinner tickets are still available, with bus transport available from Naracoorte and Penola – visit https://limestonecoastwine.com.au/wine-show/
IMPORTANT DATES:
Judging: Tuesday 18th October to Thursday 20th October 2022 at Rymill Hall, Penola
Trophy dinner: Thursday 20th October at Robe Mechanics Institute Book Now!
Exhibitors tasting: Friday 21st October at Rymill Hall, Penola
For further information or interviews, please contact Matilda Innes on 0400 576 410.