Over the 23 years of the AAVWS we have hosted many international guest judges who have been treated to an eye-opening and thoroughly enjoyable visit to Mildura to take part in our show.  In the process having their preconceived impressions of Aussie wine altered and meeting a whole swag of growers and winemakers who are shaping new kinds of regional, authentic Australian wines. 

Those guests have included high profile journalists and wine industry professionals from across the globe such as Joelle Thomson (2006 – NZ)  Rebecca Gibb MW (2008 – UK), Dr. Stefano Dini (2010 – Italy), Jo Burzynska (2010 & 2015 – NZ), Walter Speller (2014 – Italy/UK), Sarah Ahmed (2016 – UK) Eddie McDougall (2017 – Hong Kong), Madeleine Stenwreth MW (2018 – Sweden), Michaela Morris (2019 – Canada).  All of them have left with a greatly broadened view of viticulture and winemaking approaches across Australia as well as loving their regional Victoria experience with such warm and memorable hospitality as that of the legendary Stefano de Pieri, one of the co-founders of the AAVWS and a keen participant to this day. We were able to still go ahead with a virtual, COVID friendly International Guest program for 2020 and were delighted to welcome to the AAVWS Family, Cha McCoy.

In 2023 Wine Victoria helped us bring back our beloved International Guest Judge Program, through their Wines to the World US Trade Program. Wine Victoria have also extended the program by adding a familiarisation tour around some Victorian wine regions. Our 2023 International Guest Judge was USA based Wine Writer, Sommelier and Educator Jeff Porter and in 2024 we can’t wait to welcome Alder Yarrow (pictured above) to the big global AAVWS Family. Alder is an American wine blogger and restaurant blogger, and since 2004, publisher of “Vinography”, one of the internet’s most highly rated wine blogs.

Proudly sponsored by Wine Victoria.