About the NSW Wine Awards

The New South Wales Wine Awards were created in 1996 to build awareness of the quality of wines produced in NSW.

Since inception the Awards have become an indicator of the growth and diversity of our State’s industry, and recognised the potential of new regions within New South Wales. 

Entries are welcomed from all 16 of our State's great wine regions. We urge all NSW wineries to enter, as these awards are one of the most successful opportunities to help increase public and trade brand awareness and open doors to genuine commercial opportunities.

Categories and Judging

Entries are judged by three panels, with each panel being chaired by a leading figure of Australian wine. In 2021 our panels will be led by our new Chief Judge Mr Nick Spencer.

The awards are divided into categories: Best Chardonnay, Semillon, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris / Grigio, Other white single varietals, White Blends, light red (Rose), Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Other single red varietals, and Red blends as well as the Dry Red and Dry White trophies, Sparkling and Sweet wines. 

There is also an award for the Best Organic Wine in the show and 1828 Innovation Award. 1828 was the first year vines were planted for commercial wine production in NSW (& Australia) and in recognition of those innovators and pioneers of the NSW wine industry, this class has been created to showcase and support the continuing progression of ground-breaking wines in NSW. This class highlights our winemakers who push the boundaries of winemaking to produce wine styles that are at the leading edge of wine production in NSW. Entries for the 1828 Innovators Wine Award can be a red or white wine and must include a brief description of the fruit source, wine making technique and the underlying philosophy behind the innovative wine.

Finally, there is our other relatively new class, the Chair of Judges Award. This award is given to a wine from a particular wine region that really impressed our Chair of Judges. Each year a different region is selected to reflect what is topical in the NSW wine industry.

Out of the above winning wines, one is selected for the ultimate Trophy - the ‘NSW Governor’s Best in Show’ - presented by the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC.

Judging

The 2021 ICC Sydney NSW Wine Awards will be judged at the International Convention Centre in Sydney.

We are thrilled to be able to host our events at this world-class venue.