If you would like to get involved in the AAVWS behind the scenes there are a number of ways to do so. See below for information on helping out during show week in Mildura by volunteering at events, stewarding, joining the committee or throwing your hat in the ring to be a judge.
STEWARDING
Stewarding at the AAVWS provides an opportunity to;
• be part of one of the fastest growing, funkiest wine shows in the country;
• build relationships with some of the most exciting wine producers in the country;
• keep abreast with the industry and identify up and coming producers;
• be inspired by the stories and infectious enthusiasm of the AAVWS committee, ambassadors and participants;
• enjoy the camaraderie of the AAVWS team and hands on experience whilst developing judging skills;
• taste more new world alternative variety wines in one place at one time than anywhere in the world;
• indulge in local conviviality and hang out with some of the nicest people in the industry;
• work towards being an associate and a judge.
Stewarding Roles & Conditions
The Stewards are supervised by the Chief Steward with duties including room set up, unpacking of entries, allocation of classes, preparation of exhibits for judging, management of exhibits post judging, pouring at key events and pack down at end of Show.
Stewards must maintain a high level of ethical and professional conduct at all times and not discuss exhibits with judges. Stewards are also invited to participate in one social event with the judges and in selecting the Stewards Wine of Show Award.
Stewards will be selected to set up and pour wines during the Talk & Taste, Feature Dinner and the Awards Long Lunch as well allocated to the head of each judging team.
Stewards are provided with discount event tickets, refreshments and relevant meals during their scheduled sessions, wine from Show leftovers, acknowledgement of stewarding and our deep appreciation for your efforts during the Show.
2024 Itinerary
Monday 4 November
8am – 5pm Judging set up and preparation of exhibits
Wednesday 6 November
8am – 6pm Judging, Mildura Function Centre
6.30pm Steward & Judges Dinner
Thursday 7 November
8am – 6pm Judging, Mildura Function Centre
6pm – 10pm Feature Dinner
Friday 8 November
8am – 12pm Trophy Judging, Mildura Function Centre
1pm – 5pm AAVWS Talk and Taste
1pm – 5pm Prepare judging venue for Saturday Tasting
Saturday 9 November
8am to 11am Entrant Tasting, Mildura Function Centre
11am – 1pm Pack up judging venue
1pm to 5pm AAVWS Awards Long Lunch
If you require any further information please contact the Chief of Stewards stewards@aavws.com or the Show Manager at info@aavws.com
Expression of Interest applications close 31 August each year.
Register your interest by completing the AAVWS STEWARDS EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
JUDGING
The AAVWS is committed to engaging a high level professional judging team each year. The Chief of Judges is ultimately responsible for assembling the line-up based on an even spread of professional backgrounds, experience levels, gender, regional representation and personality. There are 12 Judge and 4 Associate Judge positions each show and the term are usually confirmed by April/May each year prior to the November Show.
If you would like to register your interest in becoming a judge or an associate at the AAVWS please complete the attached form. An outline of the itinerary can be seen above. Please note that your nomination is not a guarantee of receiving a role, rather a mechanism for notifying the AAVWS of your interest in participating as a judge. A good way to make a connection with the show prior to any potential judging role is to participate as a steward (see above) or apply for the AAVWS Fellowship.
Expression of Interest applications open in late November and close 31 March each year.
Register your interest by completing the AAVWS JUDGES EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
COMMITTEE
The Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show is run by a group of passionate people who contribute to the strategic direction, sustainability and relevance of the Show. (see committee members here).
Register your interest by completing the AAVWS COMMITTEE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
