The Australia and New Zealand Boutique Wine Awards are more than just a competition – They are a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and integrity in the wine industry. Each entry is meticulously evaluated by a panel of 12 expert judges lead by Master of Wine Toni Paterson, ensuring that only the best wines receive the accolade they deserve.
This rigorous assessment process is underpinned by the world leading Drinkme Digital software suite – custom built to our rigorous specifications and centered around instant access to information. All of these components not only uphold the prestige of the awards but also guide consumers in discovering outstanding wines that stand a cut above the rest.
About the Awards
The Boutique Wine Awards in Sydney were established in 1996 and chaired by Huon Hooke from inception until 2022 – now chaired by Toni Paterson MW.
They have just finalised the amazing team of judges for the 2024 awards, being held in early November and this year is shaping up to be another incredible one for the awards, now into its 29th consecutive season.
Key information on this years awards is as follows:
Entries are already open, but close to New Zealand entries on Friday 4th October 2024 – see all important dates HERE including judging dates, results publication etc. To participate, wineries must crush 250 tonne or less and be independently owned & operated.
The panel of amazing judges for 2024 is headed up by the incredible Toni Paterson MW and comprises leading winemakers from across Australia and New Zealand
Xanthe Hatcher (Agnew Wine Group), Rob Mack (Aphelion Wines / Young gun of wine awards 2018), Matt Kirby (Clearview Estate / Chair – Hawkes Bay Wine Awards), Janelle Zerk (Z Wine), Ryan Aggiss (Aravina Estate), Louella Mathews (Trippas White Group Sommelier), Sabine Duval (Hungerford Hill), Michelle Li (Knappstein), Chris Carpenter (Lark Hill), Shannon Burgess-Moore (Tamburlaine) and Brendan Kaczorowski (Keith Tulloch).
Entry fees information can be found HERE
Its tough out there at present, so ANZBWA have setup this “New Zealand-only” discount code [24NZL20] to use at checkout which takes 20% off entries. The code is valid on entries of 4 or more wines, and will remain active until Friday 13th September.
The Boutique Wine Awards cover all costs to move your entries from New Zealand to Australia. NZ participants just have to get their entries to our Auckland Warehouse.
For New Zealand Wineries wanting to participate and submit entries, follow the following link and follow the instructions to login or setup an exhibitor account.
The ANZBWA team is on hand to assist anyone with an enquiry, either via email to ross@anzbws.com.au or by phone – +61 431 512 979 – always happy to help out.
New ANZBWA Website
The Boutique Wine Awards new website is live and rich with previous show details, wines, exhibitors, judges commentary, points and images. There is still a lot of work going on behind the scenes to populate as far back as possible, and optimise each wine listing to maximise exposure, but we’re well on track with 2023 & 2022 awards live.