February 6, 2023
Entries opened on Monday for the RNA’s Royal Queensland Wine Awards.
A panel of 26 judges – including winemakers, sommeliers, restaurateurs, retailers and educators – will assess entries in July.
A new trophy this year will be for the “Best Innovative Wine of Show”, aimed at maximising opportunities for small wine producers.
Chief Judge Tom Carson said it was a growing category in the industry.
Stock-on-hand requirements for most competition classes have been lowered to 150 dozen finished bottles, ensuring smaller producers can enter.
The new “Innovative Wine” class has no stock-on-hand requirements.
“This change is great for small batch producers and boutique wineries that want to have their wines assessed, and if they win an award it’s a big deal for their business,” Mr Carson said.
The wine judged Australia’s best will receive a $12,000 fellowship to further the winemaker’s knowledge of the national and international wine industry, with funds to be used for travel, training and education.
The wines, including the award-winners, will be showcased at the Grape Grazing by Night event at the Brisbane Showgrounds on July 14.
Entries for the awards must be submitted by June 2.
More information is available online
