Trans-Tasman Riesling Bragging Rights at Stake

Which capital city wine region – Wellington’s or Canberra’s – produces the one Riesling to rule them all?

This will be decided at the Australian High Commission on Thursday 7 July 2016.

On that afternoon from 4.30pm the High Commission will be hosting a function in conjunction with the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government signing a sister city agreement with Wellington.

At the function, the 17th Canberra International Riesling Challenge will be launched. With a growing reputation as the “Cannes of Riesling”, the Challenge is a wine show that attracts entries from all of the major Riesling regions of the world. The commencement of the Sister-City relationship will be marked by the inaugural Capital Cities Riesling Challenge.

In the spirit of friendly trans-Tasman rivalry, the contest will pit six Rieslings from the Canberra District (a premier cool climate wine region) against six from the Wairarapa (aka Wellington Wine Country).

A winner from each region will be selected by a panel comprising John Belsham (Chair of the Canberra International Riesling Challenge judging panel), John Saker (Cuisine wine judge and writer) and Ken Helm (Chairman of the Canberra International Riesling Challenge).

Helping choose the ultimate winner from the two finalists will be the Mayor of Wellington (Celia Wade-Brown) or her deputy, and the Chief Minister of ACT, Andrew Barr.

All the Rieslings that are part of the Capital Cities Riesling Challenge, and many more, will be available for tasting at the event.

ENDS

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