Last drinks for popular wine competition

The Canberra International Riesling Challenge – founded in 2000 by Murrumbateman winemaker Ken Helm AM – has come to an end after 24 years.

With the wine industry facing numerous challenges, the committee said the event was no longer viable.

“Regrettably the increase in international airfreight and challenging economic conditions in the international and Australian wine industries post-Covid have significantly impacted entry levels, and despite our best efforts we have been unable to return to operating a revenue positive event,” chairman James Service AM said.

“Accordingly, the committee has agreed that ending the Challenge is the only appropriate course available.”

The Challenge – the first single variety wine show in Australia – peaked at 567 entries in 2018 and nine countries in 2019.

“From the outset, the Challenge has benefited from well qualified and skilled judges, a strong and enthusiastic steward cohort, a professional management team, the support of the diplomatic community and generous and steadfast sponsors,” Mr Service said.

“With the support of the entrant wineries we have been highly successful in our stated aim of improving the quality of Riesling available to consumers, and increasing the consumer’s appreciation and understanding of Riesling.

“The restoration of the reputation of Riesling with consumers and the premium position that it currently occupies in the market is, at least in part, attributable to the success of the Challenge and the people that made it happen.”

Wolf Blass AM was the inaugural chairman of judges in 2000, the first event at the Hyatt Hotel attracting 137 entries from across Australia.

McWilliam’s won Best Riesling with 1996 Eden Valley Rhine Riesling.

The Best Riesling of the 2025 Challenge – the last – was won by Best’s 2025 Great Western Riesling.