The wine regions of Hilltops and Tumbarumba have been producing first class grapes for decades, with both gaining their own Geographical Indications in 1998.
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For some years now, their wines have been winning recognition, critical acclaim and awards across the country.
This year will see their respective regional wine associations each launch their own Wine Shows to further raise the profile of their talented vignerons and winemakers.
This will be achieved by providing a forum where wines made from within those Geographical Indications can compete.
These new shows have been created with the support of the Riverina Winemakers Association whose members are major purchasers of Hilltops and Tumbarumba grapes.
President of the Riverina Winemakers Association Les Worland said the reasons behind the new shows were obvious.
“There has been an historically close relationship between the three regions due to fruit sales so it was a natural extension for the regions to work together to develop these new wine shows,” Mr Worland said.
The Hilltops and Tumbarumba Wine Shows will be held in Griffith, and judged concurrently with the Riverina Wine Show.
“Sophie Otton, wine journalist, consultant and sommelier will chair the judging of all three shows which is very exciting,” he said.
Otton, a renowned sommelier, is pleased with the chance to judge the three shows.
“Not only does this initiative embrace the Riverina’s neighbouring regions, but it adds a boutique facet to the existing wine show,” Ms Otton said.
“It is time to support and promote the grass roots of regional production, by providing an opportunity for these regions to identify and celebrate the varietal strengths that make Hilltops and Tumbarumba unique in their own right.
“We will also achieve this by acknowledging their respective contributions to the production of the greater Riverina,” she said.
Entries are now open and close July 22, with results announced on September 30.
