Kyneton Agricultural Society Wine Show

Author: 
Jennifer Lawrie-Smith
Coordinator, Kyneton Wine Show
Phone: 03 5423 4213

Newsletter:

The Kyneton Agricultural Society's Wine Show was held last Saturday and I'm delighted to say it was a wonderful event! From a personal perspective, it was the first time I'd ever been to a Wine Show, let alone organised one, so I'm doubly pleased that it all went so well!

I'd like to thank the sponsors whose input really assisted our efforts; the Chief Steward, Sandra Aitken, for her invaluable expertise, advice and assistance; my "Stylist", Sue MacCallum, and Wendy McWade for the inspiration and help with the rustic, raggy decorations which will also now feature at the Show; photographer, Hayden Charles (EventsMedia.com.au) and husband, John, for being my "General Gopher". Without their help the event wouldn't have been nearly as successful!

The judges, Chris Smales from Blue Pyrenees Estate, John Harris from Mitchell Harris Wines, and Scott Gerrard from Glenlofty Wines, deliberated over 94 entries and found many of the wines so close in quality and other characteristics that separating them was difficult. As an Agricultural Show event, sashes were to be awarded in 9 Classes. In addition, if quality were evident, medals would be awarded. We were thrilled that so much quality was found and medals were awarded: this augurs very well for next year's show!

All results - ribbons and medals - will be on the Show website soon.

Overview of awards:

• Gordon Knight Perpetual Trophy for Best Wine in Show: Midhill Vineyard - Chardonnay 2012
• Best White Wine in Show: Midhill Vineyard - Chardonnay 2012

The inaugural People's Choice Award, sponsored by Kyneton Electrics, was awarded to Midhill Vineyard as four of the six dinner tables voted their wines their favourites!

We were honoured that Gordon Knight was able to present the Trophy named in his honour: Sandra Aitken accepted it on behalf of Hew Richards.

We also congratulate Kye Livingstone from Harcourt Valley and Belinda Hodges from Sheer Drop and hope that next year they are able to attend our dinner!

All entry wines will now be displayed in the Pavilion at the Kyneton Show on November 16. Following that, they and any remaining wines are available for sale in mixed dozens - $180/case - which makes for excellent buying: proceeds go to the Kyneton Agricultural Society Inc. Please contact me asap if you want to purchase any. Winners in each Class will be separately contacted by me to make arrangements for collection of your prizes.

The date for next year's show will be announced soon and I hope that as a result of this year's success many more winemakers will be encouraged to enter and attend the presentation dinner.

Finally, I'd like to thank the judges who not only brought experience, insight and thoughtfullness to their judging but were also such good company!

Jennifer Lawrie-Smith, Coordinator,
Kyneton Wine Show.