Entries to the 2014 McLaren Vale Wine Show have flooded in in record numbers following news the show will revolutionise the format of regional Australian wine shows, introducing food into the judging process and incorporating a series of public dinners.
A total of 717 wines have been submitted from 112 wineries throughout McLaren Vale, representing almost all of the region’s producers. (The previous highest entry numbers were 713 wines from 99 producers in 2012.)
A new category has also been created specifically for Vermentino, with a dozen different wines entered.
McLaren Vale Wine Show Committee Chair Daniel Zuzolo, from Primo Estate, said the numbers are very encouraging.
“In some ways we took a risk this year by adding these new elements to our show but, as a committee, we all believe our excellent local produce and talented chefs are an integral part of our lifestyle and should all be shared with the wider public,” Daniel said.
“While the wine judging process will still uphold all the integrity of our past shows, we saw this as an opportunity to add something of a cultural celebration into the program.
“To have record entries from the vast majority of McLaren Vale’s wine producers is testament to our region’s progressive and community-spirited nature.
“Then, seeing how quickly tickets to the public dinners are being snapped up tells us that the broader food and wine loving population is embracing the concept too.”
The standout or ‘call back’ wines in four categories of this year’s show – Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and ‘Whites’ – will be judged alongside dishes prepared by chefs from four of McLaren Vale’s finest restaurants.
These restaurants will each hold a public dinner during the judging week between October 20 and 23, themed around one of the wine categories.
The dinners will be hosted by a ‘Silver Bullet’ guest from the day’s judging – James Halliday, Huon Hooke, Iain Riggs and Brian Walsh – who will provide commentary on the wine styles.
Tickets to one of the four dinners have already sold out, with others selling quickly.
Tickets are $150 each at www.trybooking.com/FTYV.
Key dates and events for the 2014 Wine Show:
Monday, 20 October
Judging begins at Serafino
Dinner at Elbow Room with Huon Hooke, 6.30pm, Cabernet theme
Tuesday, 21 October
Judging continues
Dinner at Star of Greece with Brian Walsh, 6.30pm, Whites theme
Wednesday, 22 October
Judging continues
Dinner at Salopian Inn with Iain Riggs, 6.30pm, Shiraz theme
Thursday, 23 October
Final day of judging
Dinner at Fino with James Halliday, 6.30pm, Grenache theme – SOLD OUT
Friday, 31 October
Awards presentation and Bushing King lunch
Tuesday, 4 November
Exhibitors and public tasting, Serafino
Friday, 14 November
Public tasting of trophy and gold medal winners at the National Wine Centre, 5.30pm
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