MEDIA RELEASE
2nd September 2013
Limestone Coast Wine Show – Entries Close Friday
Nominations close this Friday for next month’s 13th annual Limestone Coast Wine Show, and the high profile judging panel secured for the event has prompted widespread interest from exhibitors. China’s Fongyee Walker, the co-founder of Beijing’s first and fully independent wine consulting and education service, Dragon Phoenix Fine Wine Consulting, has been confirmed as this year’s international judge. Fongyee brings extensive judging experience from the London International Wine Challenge, the Hong Kong International Wines and Spirits Competition, the Annual Wines of Chile Awards, and several prestigious Australian shows, and says she is looking forward to exploring the variety of wines from the Limestone Coast along with the diversity of its various sub-regions.
“The area as a whole is growing in popularity and awareness in China, so I feel it is important to really be able to convey to people in Asia what is happening in the area,” she says.
The Barossa Valley’s Andrew Wigan, who is chief winemaker at Peter Lehmann Wines, will return as chairman of judges for the second year in a row. Mr Wigan has described the role as an “honour”, and says he is looking forward to seeing some of the new wines from the exciting 2013 vintage as well as developing wines from past vintages.
“The Limestone Coast offers not only quality but also diversity of style and as the newer regions gain a foothold, there is added interest to the overall picture, so I am looking forward to seeing what unfolds this year,” he says. “In addition, the judging panel has a number of new faces in 2013 and I am very much looking forward to working with the new line-up.”
The line-up includes one of Australia’s most respected wine writers, Jane Faulkner, and the former Wine Director of Sydney’s famed Rockpool Bar and Grill, Sophie Otton, who has recently ventured out as an independent wine consultant, educator, writer and speaker. Highly decorated WA winemaker Virginia Willcock, and fellow Margaret River winemaker, Ed Tomlinson, will also be joining the judging panel. Their favourite Limestone Coast wines will be revealed at a Trophy Feast at the Naracoorte Town Hall on October 31st, 2013. The dinner, which is hosted by the Wrattonbully Wine Region, is expected to be another sell-out, and tickets may be purchased when show entries are lodged at limestonecoastwine.com.au
Editors: More comprehensive bios of the judging panel are available at limestonecoastwine.com.au. For further information or interviews, please phone Bruce Gregory on 0409 670 139.
A digital image of Fongyee Walker is att. for your use
Key dates – 2013 Limestone Coast Wine Show:
Deadline for entries: Friday, 6 September 2013
Judging: 28-30th October 2013
Presentation dinner: 31 October 2013, hosted by Wrattonbully Wine Region
Exhibitor & public tasting at Coonawarra Hall: 1 November 2013