Wine Producers Invited To Enter Top 100 Awards

Media release
04 June 2009

Wine Producers Invited To Enter Top 100 Awards

Entries are now open for the 2009 Liquorland Top 100 International Wine Competition and organisers are encouraging wine producers to enter their finest drop.

Now in its 16th year, the Liquorland Top 100 continues to provide a platform for wine makers to benchmark their wines and promote them in New Zealand and overseas.

Director of the awards and well known wine consultant, Belinda Jackson, says all wine producers able to meet the required commercial volumes should consider entering.

The competition is open to any wines made wholly from grapes, from any wine-producing country either directly from producers or via their distributors or agents in New Zealand.

Last year more than 1,470 wines were entered. Belinda says the variety and quality of wines received demonstrates just how spoilt for choice New Zealand wine drinkers are.

“The Liquorland Top 100 Wine Competition provides a valuable industry platform to assist wine makers in standing out from the crowd.”

Chief judge Mike DeGaris will lead a line up of 21 local and international judges in evaluating all entries across a three-day judging event in Marlborough.

“Through the judges’ expertise New Zealanders are offered 100 hand-picked wines, allowing them to make a risk-free purchase,” says Belinda.

Commenting on the sales, Liquorland Merchandise Manager, Andrew Bartley says that each year Liquorland sees a significant boost for wines named in the Top 100, illustrating that both consumers and wine producers benefit from the award recognition.

“For consumers who enjoy wine but who don’t necessarily have great wine knowledge, the in-store Liquorland Top 100 guide and tasting notes provide an extremely effective tool in helping them select a top-quality wine that suits both their taste and budget.”

Entries are open from 1 June to 31 July with wines for judging to be submitted between 10 and 19 August. Judging will run from 25 to 27 August in Marlborough with the Liquorland Top 100 and trophies announced 2 October at the awards evening in Auckland.

ENDS

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