Australian winemakers are being invited to put their recently bottled wines to the test, with entries closing soon for the 2026 Royal Queensland Awards supported by King Street and The Star Brisbane.
Offering more than $18,000 in prizes, the competition is a valuable opportunity for winemakers to receive expert feedback, benchmark their wines and gain national recognition.
Judging will commence in June under chief judge Julian Langworthy, leading a team of 26 of the Australian wine industry’s most respected voices.
Panel chairs David LeMire, Sue Bell, André Bondar and Tim Dolan will be supported by judges and associates whose experience spans winemaking, hospitality, retail, education and media, including champions of Australian wine on the international stage, Erin Larkin and Eddie McDougall.
“I’m pleased to lead an exceptional and diverse group of judges,” Mr Langworthy said.
“Their collective knowledge allows us to consider entries from a wide and informed perspective, ensuring that the finest wines are identified across every style.”
The Royal Queensland Awards (RQA) continues to invest in the future of Australian winemaking.
A $12,000 fellowship is on offer for the Angelo Puglisi Grand Champion Wine of Show, while a $5,000 bursary will be awarded to the exhibitor of the Dr Bill Ryan Best Pinot Noir of Show.
Past recipients have applied these bursaries to their professional development through opportunities such as formal training, tastings, and benchmarking tours.
Meanwhile the winner of The Star Entertainment Group Emerging Queensland Winemaker of the Year will receive a $1,500 bursary, have their wines featured in The Star’s outlets and become an RQA associate judge in 2027.
The historic and highly sought-after Stodart Trophy, established in 1970, will also be awarded, recognising the Best Red Table Wine.
The RQA remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting winemakers nationwide in realising the commercial potential of their achievements.
This year, the RQA is partnering with several leading Queensland bottle shops to promote the winners through mailing list and in-store promotions to wine loving consumers in the local market.
“This is an exciting initiative that ensures the wines recognised through such a thorough and rigorous process are celebrated and easily accessible,” Mr Langworthy said.
Following judging, the competition wines will also be showcased at the annual Grape Grazing by Night on Friday 10 July 2026 at the Brisbane Showgrounds.
The event brings together more than 900 wine enthusiasts in Brisbane, offering exhibitors a unique opportunity to present their wines and engage directly with consumers.
For 149 years, the RQA has helped shape and elevate Australian winemaking, guiding producers to pursue excellence and refine their wine styles.
“The Royal Queensland Awards is a competition defined by quality and passion, supported by people committed to strengthening the Australian wine landscape,” Mr Langworthy said.
“I encourage you to take part, celebrate the achievements of our industry and submit your entries.”
Entries close Wednesday 3 June. Don’t miss out on this exceptional nationwide competition – click here to enter today.
Click link: https://www.rqa.com.au/competitions/wine-awards/
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