Winemakers to vie for titles

VINICULTURISTS from about 40 wineries will gather at Morshead Park for the Ballarat Wine Show next week with all manner of reds, whites, and vintages pitted against each other.

The competition is run by the Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society and event chair Alistair Freeman said the show brings together the best winemakers from western and central Victoria under one roof.

“We capture regions that surround not only Ballarat but also Geelong, Bellarine, Heathcote, Grampians,” he said.

“There’s about 22 different classes ranging from Riesling, sparkling to chardonnay, pinots and cabernets.”

Industry expert Jen Pfeiffer will chair a panel of two judges and two associates, putting their palate to 195 entries.

The shows’ top wines will be eligible among the event’s 13 trophies with the champion wine to receive the Ray Mackay Award.

The Thursday will entail an open forum where winemakers can receive personal feedback on their submissions from the judges.

The winners of this year’s awards will be announced during a presentation dinner on Saturday 28 October, also at Morshead Park.

While judging and exhibiting will be closed to the public, the presentation, which will be hosted by journalist Jeff Sly and includes a five-course degustation dinner, is open for everyone.

Mr Freeman said the show is always a great way for winemakers from Ballarat and beyond to connect.

“It’s a great opportunity for people in industry to interact particularly at the dinner,” he said.

“The visiting winemakers can meet some of the locals so it does bring the community together in that sense. They get to have their products evaluated professionally and judged by their peers.”