Wine Show / Judges

Philip Rich

2025 Chief of Judges

Melbourne born and bred, Philip has more than 25 years’ experience as a passionate retailer, educator, wine show judge and wine writer. In 1996, Philip…

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Cliff Royle

2025 Panel Chair

Cliff Royle is one of Australia’s most acclaimed winemakers, with nearly 30 years of experience—16 of those as Chief Winemaker at Flametree Wines in Margaret…

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Gwyn Olsen

2025 Panel Chair

Fascinated with science from a young age, it was Gwyn’s interest in the natural environment that led her to study a career in winemaking. After…

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Paul Hotker

2025 Panel Chair

I’m a Consultant Winemaker with over 25 years’ experience in the grape and wine sector having worked as a vineyard hand to senior winemaker and…

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Angus Hughson

2025 Judge

Angus Hughson is a wine writer and publisher with a focus on advancing the cause of Australian fine wine, both in local and international markets.

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Nat Cleghorn

2025 Judge

Natalie has over 25 years of experience in the wine industry, with a passion for winemaking that began with a single glass of Champagne. Natalie’s…

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Uli Grey-Smith

2025 Judge

Ulrich (Uli) Grey-Smith earned his Winemaking degree in 1991 after four years of study at Roseworthy Agricultural College. Since then, Uli has completed thirty-seven vintages…

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Wes Pearson

2025 Judge

Dr Wes Pearson is a senior research scientist at the Australian Wine Research Institute in Adelaide. He holds a BSc in Wine Biochemistry from the…

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Brooke Blair

2025 Associate Judge

Brooke was born in Mount Gambier and graduated from the University of Adelaide with a degree in Oenology.  She started her winemaking career at Hollick…

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Iskra Varbanova

2025 Associate Judge

Originally from Bulgaria, Iskra is an accomplished winemaker with extensive international experience. After building a strong foundation in Bulgaria’s wine industry, she set out to…

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Jordan Cory

2025 Associate Judge

Jordan began his wine career at Hollick Estates, initially planning just a gap year. However, after two vintages and a growing passion for winemaking, he…

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