Sydney to host ‘The Wine Show Conversation’

Former chair of judges Iain Riggs AM, Samantha Connew (first female chair of judges in 2015) and PJ Charteris are the panel leads, alongside current chair Mike De Iuliis and international judge Matthew Jukes.

Other leading Australian wine show judges will join the panel to bring insights and perspectives into how wine shows continue to advance Australian wine quality.

Chair of the Sydney Royal Wine Committee, Angus Barnes says, “This is a chance to gather and understand how wine is assessed as part of the show system, tracing notable moments that have defined the Sydney Royal Wine Show.

“Expect honest conversation, rigorous tasting and a rare behind-the-scenes look at exactly how your wines get assessed when you enter a wine show.”

Mike De Iuliis says, “This symposium, held in a milestone year, underpins the importance of the show system in advancing wine quality.

“A chance to bring people together from all parts of the industry, sharing knowledge, engaging in discussion and celebrating the collaboration and friendships that have defined the Sydney Royal for two centuries.

“Over ten years from 2015 to 2025, 19,938 wines were entered into the Sydney Royal Wine Show, with on average 2,000 wines evaluated each year.

“This is the chance for industry to get a taste of the rigour surrounding the judging process.”

There will be a full day of tasting, debate and celebration built around four judged brackets of wine.

Wines will be tasted blind and scored, as you sit alongside some of the sharpest minds in the business as they reflect on where wine shows have come from, explain how to get involved and explore where wine shows are heading in the future.

Since 2013, the RAS wine show has invested more than $275,000 in wine scholarships, providing 63 scholars with the opportunity to advance their understanding of wine assessment.

The Sydney Royal 200 industry symposium is an extension of this commitment to the wine industry.

This full day event is for exhibitors, aspiring wine judges, marketers, sommeliers, retailers and anyone ready to go deep on the world of wine show judging.

Places are limited to 200 people with priority access for tickets given to Sydney Royal Wine Show entrants.

Entrants will also receive a 25 percent discount, provided post entry.

Tickets are available now at $200 each.

This includes morning tea, lunch, networking drinks, post event canapes and all judging samples.