Wine Marlborough has taken over the reins of this annual event, which was established back in 2011 by Belinda Jackson and Margaret Cresswell of Wine Competition Ltd. While the owners may be new, the event will continue to focus solely on the wines emanating from Marlborough.
Jackson and Cresswell introduced a number of firsts during their tenure. Sub-regional classes were established, all wines are tasted in varietal specific glassware and the un-used bottles entered are auctioned with funds going into a trust for industry grants. Wine Marlborough has played a supportive role throughout the history of the event and in November last year announced they would be taking over the reins.
With international judges playing a role, the show also includes a range of local winemakers, educators and wine writers. Chief of judges this year is Jack Glover, from Accolade Wines.
Entries open on August 27, closing on September 21. Judging will take place in Blenheim between October 15 and 17, with the auction taking place on the 17th.
The trophies will be presented on October 26. Along with the trophies a Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to someone within the Marlborough wine community who is deemed to have made a lasting impact on the industry.
