Wines entered from Ballinaclash, Chalkers Crossing and Moppity Vineyards were among the 57 entries from 11 of the state’s wine regions awarded gold medals.

In fact the trio took all the nine honours that were announced for the Hilltops region, a region that encompasses Young, Harden and Boorowa.

“Of the 872 wines entered, 456 wines were awarded a bronze, silver or gold medal,” president of the NSW Wine Industry Association and awards judge Tom Ward said.

“This represents a 52 per cent success rate and really highlights the high quality of wines being produced throughout the state.”

Moppity Vineyards has a lot to be happy about after being awarded six gold medals for its 2014 range of Eclipse Shiraz, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Lock & Key Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Lock & Key Reserve Tempranillo, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Reserve Shiraz.

Chalkers Crossing was acknowledged for its 2014 CC2 Shiraz and 2013 Shiraz, as was Ballinaclash for its 2014 Sub Tuum Shiraz.

Meanwhile the Canberra district received two gold medals, as did Central Ranges, Southern Highlands and Tumbarumba, eight went to Orange, Hunter Valley 28, and one each for Mudgee, Murray Darling (NSW), New England and Riverina.

They’re all now in the running to receive one of the 17 coveted NSW Wine Awards, including the prestigious 2015 Pier One Sydney Harbour NSW Wine of the Year.

They’ve also been invited to a reception at Government House, called to honour this year’s gold medal winners and the legends of the NSW wine industry.

Mr Ward said the the 20th annual NSW Wine Awards were shaping up to be the most exciting to date.

It will take place during a presentation lunch at Pier One Sydney Harbour on Friday, October 30, where the Lieutenant Governor of NSW Thomas Frederick Bathurst will be present.