International judges announced for 2014 Air New Zealand Wine Awards

Two highly respected international wine personalities will be joining this year’s judging panel for the country’s premier wine competition, the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.

Respected wine writer David Brookes from Australian Gourmet Traveller WINE, Wine Companion and Wine & Spirits magazines, and Sebastian Braun, one of Sweden’s leading wine buyers, will be joining the judging team of 26 for this year’s competition.

Judging for the 2014 Air New Zealand Wine Awards will take place from 3–5 November in Auckland.

The gold medal winning wines will be announced on 12 November.

On Saturday 22 November the ‘best of the best’ trophy winning wines will be revealed at a black tie dinner in Hawke’s Bay.

The dinner will be attended by New Zealand’s top winemakers and industry figures to celebrate the quality of New Zealand wine.

In last year’s competition 1379 wines were entered across 16 different classes.

A total of 655 medals were awarded — 111 gold, 196 silver and 348 bronze.

Air New Zealand Wine Awards chair of judges Michael Brajkovich MW says having international judges involved in the process ensures the awards maintain its high standard.

“The Air New Zealand Wine Awards is a highly respected competition internationally,” he says.

“Our winemakers are world-renowned and having an experienced judging panel is critical in helping the industry strive for improvement in quality and innovation.”

The Air New Zealand Wine Awards has been running for more than 30 years and recognises excellence in New Zealand winemaking.

The awards are owned and organised by New Zealand Winegrowers, the national organisation for the country’s 1700 grapegrowers and winemakers.

Entries for the 2014 competition open to New Zealand wineries on 11 August.

For more information visit www.airnzwineawards.co.nz

For further information contact:
Shelley Ashdown
Air New Zealand Wine Awards PR
New Zealand Winegrowers
M: 64 21 912 221
E: shelley@bloompr.co.nz