Formed in 2005, the New Zealand International Wine Show is firmly established as the largest wine competition held in New Zealand. In its inaugural year there were over 1900 entries rising to a record 2273 in 2008.  Truly 'International' in nature, wines from any country and made from any variety can be entered.

The judging for the 2009 New Zealand International Wine Show took place over three days from the 7th to 9th September 2009. Bob Campbell MW headed the team of experienced judges who between them tasted and scored more than 2,000 wines. 156 gold medals were awarded - a a stellar lineup of wines, with a few of the usual surprises but also many of the legendary labels coming to the fore.

Update 14 Sep 2009: Full medal results are now available - 156 gold medals, 317 silver medals and 791 bronze medals.
Update 20 Sep 2009:  Trophy results are now available.

Further events associated with the Show include

• 26th/27th September: Publication of Trophy winners and The Champions List (NZ Herald, Sunday Star Times)

'Pick the Trophies' Challenge

Each year there is a unique tasting competition in association with the New Zealand International Wine Show and the Champions List Public Tasting, when all the gold medal wines (i.e. the Champions List) are available for the public to taste.

The 'Challenge' is for people to try and pick at least four of the Trophies, which the judges have already chosen, and which will be announced at the Awards Dinner.

This year the 'Challenge' was held on Thursday September 17th and twenty-five people correctly picked at lest four of the Trophy winning wines. The names of these people went into a draw for $1000 cash, drawn at the conclusion of the tasting. The lucky winner was Mary Birdsal.

A Legend of New Zealand Wine

Many people have played important roles in making New Zealand wine the success that it now is. Each year the New Zealand International Wine Show will honour the person that has been selected for his or her outstanding contribution to New Zealand wine. To acknowledge that person, a special award has been created and named in honour of a man who unquestionably has made one of the greatest contributions to the New Zealand Wine Industry, Sir George Fistonich. The award previously known as The George Fistonich Medal is now The Sir George Fistonich Medal.

At the 2009 New Zealand International Wine Show Awards Dinner, wine writer Michael Cooper was honoured as the 2009 recipient of the Sir George Fistonich Medal.

The Judging Team

Chairman of Judges: This year’s competition was conducted under the Chairmanship of Bob Campbell MW, New Zealand's most experienced wine show judge and this country's leading wine educator. The senior judges involved a number of leading winemakers, several Masters of Wine and many key industry personnel. Most of the senior judges have each been involved in major wine competitions for more than a decade.

Competition Convenor: Kingsley Wood

Medal Order Form

For wineries and wine companies that have won medals in the  New Zealand International Wine Show, click here to download a Medal Order Form.