The Show Goes On In McLaren Vale – But No Bushing Lunch

The McLaren Vale Wine Show and James Halliday Grenache Challenge will go ahead this year. But there will be no Bushing lunch.

This follows “careful consideration and strategic planning”, says the McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association (MVGWTA).

Entrants and trophy winners will be acknowledged via a virtual awards ceremony in lieu of a sit-down lunch.

“The McLaren Vale Wine Show endeavors to provide a platform for presenting wines that demonstrate varietal expression, excellence in viticulture and production, as well as provenance and sub-regionality,” MVGWTA says in a statement.

“In 2019, over 100 of the region’s wineries entered the show and over 700 wines were entered for judging.

“Following the devastating Australian bushfires and the Covid-19 global pandemic, entry requirements have been reviewed and amended to allow greater inclusivity for smaller producers to qualify for trophy eligibility.”

Paul Carpenter, co-chair of the 2020 McLaren Vale Wine Show, is confident this year’s show will maintain and build on the long-established reputation as one of Australia’s premier regional shows.

“The show will certainly be different in 2020 but with a string of high quality vintages and lowering of stock requirements for trophy eligibility we are excited about the wines that will be entered in 2020 and the resultant winners,” Paul says.

“As a committee and a region we are focused on ensuring that the integrity to the judging processes is maintained to the highest standard whilst ensuring the absolute safety and well-being of our committee and judges among Covid-19 social distancing and recommended hygiene best practice requirements.

“We are looking forward to the challenges and excited about unearthing some ripping wines.”

The James Halliday Grenache Challenge (JHGC) gathers varietal Grenache wines from around Australia for a competitive tasting to celebrate and elevate the variety.

The fourth Challenge invites all producers from all regions, for an honest gauge of Australia’s winemaking form and to catch the styles and movements developing across our landscape.

To enter the 2020 McLaren Vale Wine Show on August 3 click here. To enter the James Halliday Grenache Challenge click here.