Wine Shows
Our annual wine shows attract a wide range of entries from all over Australia with the best of the best competing in certain styles and varieties such as Botrytis Semillon and Fortifieds, Durif and Italian varieties.
2024 Wine Show
Our 2024 shows are complete. Full results booklet below.
For medal artwork see below to access the zip folder.
Open Show
Now in its 49th year, the Open Wine Show invites producers from all over Australia to participate in the Riverina’s national competition.
Riverina GI
Evaluating the style and quality of wines produced from entirely within the Riverina.
Australian Italian Varieties
Created to connect to the region’s agricultural foundations which were underpinned by the strong Italian migrant population in the early 1900s.
Tumbarumba GI
Designed to support and champion the excellence of the smaller growers and winemakers within the neighbouring Tumbarumba GI who produce their own boutique labels but also supply quality cool-climate fruit to the Riverina.
Sweet Wine Challenge
Highlighting the quality and diversity of the best dessert wines available and promoting a greater understanding and awareness of these wine styles.
2024 Full Results Booklet
Results are available for exhibitors to view and use - click on download booklet below
Riverina Legends Award
2024 WINNER - JULIE MORTLOCK
Julie has worked in the Riverina Wine region for De Bortoli Wines for 35 years, working her way up from laboratory technician to senior executive winemaker.
Overseeing a large portfolio of red wines, along with the extensive fortified program, and the iconic Noble One. Wine writer, Huon Hooke, recently titled her ‘Queen of Botrytis’ and we certainly agree. Julie has been the custodian of the iconic Noble One Botrytis Semillon for 25 years, still working closely with creator Darren De Bortoli to ensure this internationally acclaimed wine holds its title as the most awarded wine in Australia.
Black Noble (a fortified version of Noble One) was recently named one of the World’s top 10 fortified wines and has received multiple awards under Julie’s control. Julie has received many other accolades during her career, some of the more recent ones include “Sweet Winemaker of the year” in 2016 for the International Wine Challenge and the 2020 Noble One Botrytis Semillon was crowned “ Sweet Wine of the year” for 2024 Halliday Wine Companion Awards.
Julie has always remained humble and hard-working throughout her esteemed career, and has been a great role model for other female winemakers in our region, making her a very worthy recipient of Riverina Legend Status.
Legends Gallery
2023 WINNER - JOHN CASELLA
John Casella was chosen by our committee for his positive impact on our wine region. Employing a larger number of people in the area and for his dedication and generosity to the wider community.
2022 WINNER - BRUNO BROMBAL
Bruno Brombal has been involved in industry representative roles within the winegrape industry almost his entire working life. He currently owns and operates with his family three vineyards producing approx. 3,000 tonnes annually along with fresh and juice citrus, prunes, stone fruits and vegetables.
In 1979 Bruno commenced his representative roles as a foundation member of the Hanwood Grape Growers Association, thereafter he was elected to the NSW Statutory Authority, Wine Grapes Marketing Board in 1989. He has remained as the Chair of this organisation since 1998 and an executive member of the NSW Wine Industry Association until resigning early 2019.
1983 Bruno along with other growers in the region formed the MIA Vine Improvement Society. 1984 Bruno and Leo DePaoli started a business Hanwood Grafted Vines, the only vine grafting business in region producing vine material at that time. In the early 2000’s Bruno took on the role of Chair of National growers body, Winegrape Growers Council of Australia and was involved in the selection panel for the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation (now known as Wine Australia). Bruno is a foundation member of the 2018 formed Inland Wine Regions Alliance - representing the major inland wine regions of Riverina, Riverland and Murray Valley.
Bruno maintained a functional and working relationship with wineries and their representative in the Riverina. Assisted growers emotionally during of the oversupply period in the mid 2000’s. Awarded Riverina Farmer of the Year in 2000 under the Riverina Naturally brand for excellence in viticulture. Stood as the only grower representative on the NSW Ministerial Wine Industry Council. Elected to the Board of Murrumbidgee Irrigation in 2007 and as Deputy Chair in 2009 resigning in 2013. Winegrape Grower representative member on the Murrumbidgee Horticultural Council.
Jeremy Cass, Riverina Wine Grape Growers
2021 WINNER - BILL CALABRIA
Bill (William) Calabria has worked in the local wine industry since he was 14, almost six decades! Bill has experienced many highs and lows but through hardwork and determination Bill fought through it with his family by his side. Bill has forged his own path, staying true to his vision of developing premium brands out of the Riverina. It is so fitting that Bill’s Three Bridges Durif has won the most coveted Riverina trophy of the region this year, Best Durif. The wine that changed perceptions and became the hero red wine variety for the Riverina, all thanks to Bill. An affable and generous nature has made Bill one of the most beloved figures of the local industry. We are so proud to recognise Bill Calabria as our 2021 Riverina Legend.
Carrah Lymer, Executive Officer Riverina Winemakers Association
“Bill’s focus has always been quality. From as early as the 1990’s Bill didn’t want to produce bulk wine- he set out to produce high quality wines. He did this with the launch of the 3 Bridges range, which is still known for being great quality Riverina Wine. Bill is a trusted mentor to me and an all round great person, quietly giving back to the wider community in many ways.”
Emma Norbiato, Chief Winemaker, Calabria Family Wines Group.
“On behalf of the NSW wine industry I would like to congratulate Bill Calabria on receiving the Riverina legend trophy. This deserved recognition of Bill’s accomplishments are borne from his passion, innovation and commitment to the Riverina, New South Wales and Australian wine industry over many years. We look forward to the exciting future for Bill and the entire Calabria family as they continue to play a significant role in the prosperity and growth of the Riverina for generations to come”
Mark Bourne, President NSW Wine Industry
2020 WINNERS - KEITH & JIM McWILLIAM
These two men have worked over 90 local vintages between them and have been involved in the local wine industry most of their lives. Jim's first vintage was 1942 and Keith's 1944.
Read more about their careers in our Press Release
2019 WINNER - LES WORLAND
With a career spanning multiple wineries and roles, Les has continually championed the local wine region, no matter who he is working for and in what capacity.
Les Worland is announced as the 2019 Winner
Les Worland with his wife and Casella Family Brands colleagues
“Les has inspired and educated many people about Riverina Wine. He has devoted many hours of service to our industry. Quite simply, without people like Les (full of passion and dedication) the Riverina Wine Show would have ceased to exist many years ago. ”
“Les is a stalwart in the wine community within the Riverina region. He is a well-known face in the industry who supports our Riverina region with great passion and pride.”