MEDIA RELEASE
26th JULY 2015
LCWS: Will you be going for Gold in 2015?
The finest wines from across South Australia’s Limestone Coast will soon be put to the ultimate test, with entries for the prestigious 15th annual Limestone Coast Wine Show officially opening on Tuesday. Producers from Padthaway to Mount Benson and Mount Gambier have until August 21, 2015 to nominate their top drops for judging in late October at the Coonawarra Hall.
Jane Faulkner is the new chairman of this year’s expert panel, replacing Andrew Wigan who spent three years at the helm. One of Australia’s most respected wine journalists, Jane has been a popular member of the judging panel for the past two years, and says she is thrilled to be returning to the Limestone Coast Wine Show as its chief of judges:
“Regional shows are the very heart and soul of any Australian wine community, and it’s a real privilege to be a part of that if for a few days,” she says. “There is no better way to get a snapshot of a diverse area and its wines than at a regional show; the flow on effect is a deeper appreciation of those wines, how they were made, the vintage conditions and often, hearing the stories of the people behind them.
“There’s no doubt the LCWS is one of the best and most rewarding. I look forward to all it has to offer, which includes some of the most wonderful hospitality, especially the food and wine.”
This year’s event will also feature a new International Judge, with leading Singapore consultant Mr Lim Hwee Peng, CSW, FWS accepting the invitation to attend. A highly experienced, multi-certified Wine Specialist, Hwee Peng’s international judging experience includes The Michelangelo International Wine Awards, VERITAS in South Africa, Vinitaly, The Royal Melbourne Wine Show, McLaren Vale Wine Show, Margaret River Wine Show, Adelaide Review Hot 100 and Royal Hobart Wine Show.
“Having the privilege to be part of this year’s Limestone Coast Wine Show, and with the eminent wine judges involved, I am excitedly looking forward to an enlightening experience,” he says. “I will also be bringing my unique market perspectives of both Singapore and regional markets to share with the community of wine professionals in the Limestone Coast.”
The Wine Show Committee’s Sarah Pidgeon is confident that this year’s event will eclipse last year’s incredible haul of 43 gold medals, 58 silver and 146 bronze medals.
“A total of 418 entries were received from 86 exhibitors for the 2014 Limestone Coast Wine Show, and 59 per cent of them won a medal – a very high number that speaks volumes for the quality of wines that are coming out of the region,” she says. “And the fact so many of last year’s winners were spread right around the Limestone Coast gives a lot of credibility to this area as a whole; great wines are being discovered in all of our regions, which is really exciting.”
IMPORTANT DATES:
Entries open Tuesday 28th July enter on-line
Entries close Fri 21st August
Judging 26-29th October at the Coonawarra Hall
Trophy dinner 29th October in Mt Gambier (Venue TBC) more info
Exhibitors Tasting 30th October at Coonawarra Hall 9am-1pm
Image att: Guest international judge Mr Lim Hwee Peng. For further information, please contact Sarah Pidgeon, LCWS Committee, on Mob. 0412 825 149 or visit limestonecoastwine.com.au