The 20th Margaret River Region Wine Show is underway, with a panel of experts making it past last-minute travel dramas to arrive in Margaret River in time to begin judging.
All six interstate judges have arrived safely, despite a flight cancellation yesterday to keep us on our toes.
- Amanda Whiteland
Margaret River Wine Association chief executive Amanda Whiteland said three judges from South Australia and three from Tasmania would join three WA experts, along with renowned wine writer, Nick Ryan.
"All six interstate judges have arrived safely, despite a flight cancellation yesterday to keep us on our toes," Ms Whiteland said.
Established in 2002, the Langton's Margaret River Wine Show provides critical assessment from judges and independent feedback on the unique styles and variations of the wines, and areas for improvement.
Entry is open only to producers of Margaret River GI (Geographical Indication) wine.
As part of the Show, 762 exhibits from 105 exhibitors are being assessed at the Margaret River HEART over three days.
Judging began on Monday October 26 and will conclude on Wednesday, followed by exhibitor tastings on Thursday and a gala luncheon for 200 people at Swings and Roundabouts in Yallingup on Friday afternoon.
The gala will see 16 trophies awarded along with three special acknowledgements - the Lifetime Achievement Award, Viticultural Excellence Award and the Wine Tourism Excellence Award.
Joining South Australian Chair of Judges Nick Ryan are fellow SA-ers Daniel Swincer, Chief Winemaker for Pernod Ricard and Kate Laurie, owner and winemaker at Deviation Road.
Winemakers Anna Pooley (Pooley Wines), Liam McElhinney (Tasmanian Vintners) and Tom Wallace (Brown Family Wine Group) arrived this week from Tasmania.
They will be joined by Emma Farrelly, Director of Wine for Perth's State Buildings, Halliday Wine Companion wine writer Erin Larkin, Senior Winemaker at Willow Bridge Estate Kim Horton, and Leeuwin Estate's Senior Winemaker, Tim Lovett.
In addition, six Western Australian Associate Judges - Feleasha Prendergast of Margaret River Vintners; Foni Pollitt of Mayfair Lane; Japo Dalli Cani of McHenry Hohnen Vintners; Matt Buchan of Cherubino Wines; Matt Godfrey from Devil's Lair and Deep Woods Estate's Andrew Bretheton will round out the line up.
A livestream of Friday's awards can be viewed via Facebook at https://fb.me/e/1SgwjPnOy
Stay tuned to the Mail for the full list of winners from the Langton's Margaret River Wine Show next week.
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
