More than just a wine show

The Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show is more than a forum for wines that fall outside the mainstream. We encourage cutting-edge judging procedures and provide a host of social and educational events that promote knowledge sharing and the ferment of ideas. In 2014 we instigated a fellowship for talented and passionate candidates to visit Mildura to experience the show and become new alternative variety ambassadors.

In 1999 Stefano de Pieri and Bruce Chalmers, along with Dr. Rod Bonfiglioli, initiated the Sangiovese Awards and continued in 2000 with the Australian Italian Wine Show. Following the success of these shows, the first Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show was held in Mildura in November 2001.