more than just a wine show 

History

In 1999 Stefano de Pieri and Bruce Chalmers along with Dr. Rod Bonfiglioli, initiated the Sangiovese Awards and continued with the Australian Italian Wine Show in 2000. Following the success of these shows the first Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show was held in Mildura in November 2001. The initial concept has evolved to include all alternative wine varieties (which are usually marginalised at mainstream shows) and now attracts over 600 entries from throughout Australia and New Zealand.

The show aims to provide an alternative to the mainstream wine shows, a dedicated forum for alternative or emerging wine varieties and to encourage alternative, more cutting edge judging procedures.

The Show is run by a group of passionate people including Chief of Judges, Max Allen and forces in the Australian wine industry Louisa Rose elected Chairman in 2009, Bruce Chalmers, Kathleen Quealy and Mark Walpole.

 Along with the committee this group is committed to exploring the growing, making, marketing and drinking of these exciting new wines. 

Tenth Anniversary

In celebration of our tenth anniversary , we are proud to announce a brand new online entry system. This unique entry system has been custom made especially for our show.

The next stage is a new database structure which will be the most comprehensive collation of information about alternative variety wines in the country and was officially launched at our tenth birthday celebrations.

The anniversary was celebrated in style with chief of judges, Max Allen, presenting an entertaining and informative Talk and Taste looking at the past, present and future accompanied by award winning wines. Former Chief of judges, Tim White, joined him to look back at the past while tasting former gold medal wines whilst Peter Godden from AWRI looked at the Pinot Grigio issue.

A special thanks to all our sponsors for their support and to Stefano de Pieri who once again presented an outstanding range of dinners to accompany the array of fabulous wines drank over the weekend.

We invite you to join us in 2010 when we again present this event that grows in relevance and importance and is really much more than just a wine show.

If you are visiting Mildura for the AAVWS please book into our preferred accommodation house the QUALITY HOTEL MILDURA GRAND and receive a 10% discount.