New World Wine Awards bigger and better than ever

Media release

For immediate release

17 July 2012

New World Wine Awards bigger and better than ever in their 10th year

The judging for New Zealand’s premier consumer-focused wine awards begins on 17&18 July at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington. A panel of 13 expert wine judges will swirl, sniff, sip and savour over 1000 wines from New Zealand and around the world.

This is the tenth year of the New World Wine Awards and the third consecutive year that the awards have received over 1000 entries, reflecting the increasing awareness and recognition of the awards among winemakers.

The New World Wine Awards uses the same internationally recognised 20 point system as other leading wine competitions, ensuring that winning wines are the best examples of their type. The only difference is that all wines entered must retail for below $25 a bottle and at least 500 cases must be available for sale. This ensures that consumers are guaranteed access to top-quality wines at affordable prices.

This year 164 wineries have entered the New World Wine Awards, 28 of which are new to the competition. In addition to the distinction of an award that recognises quality on the same international scale as other wine competitions, winning winemakers are guaranteed national distribution and extensive brand exposure, driving sustained sales.

“The consistently high number of entries and consumer interest in the winning wines illustrates the value of these awards. Consumers can be assured that choosing a medal-winning wine from the New World Wine Awards means they are buying one of the best wines available in New Zealand,” says Jim Harré, Chair of the Judging Panel.

The judging panel, comprised of nationally and internationally renowned winemakers and commentators, will work in teams of three to complete a two-day blind tasting of the wines. This year the panel will be joined by Mike de Garis, an international consultant who has over 20 years industry experience and knowledge about what makes a top wine.

The judges will award Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, and reconvene to select the Champion red, white and bubbles overall. The top 50 wines from the full array of medal-winners will be showcased online and in the New World Wine Awards booklet.

“The results of this competition are eagerly anticipated by consumers. Last year over 250,000 bottles of the top 50 wines, with a retail value in excess of $3.3m, were sold in the first six weeks of the results being announced, and the Champion White sold out within 10 days,” says Mr Harré.

The award winners will be announced on 17 September 2012.

ENDS

© Scoop Media