Australian winemakers will have their first chance to showcase their newly bottled wines, with entries now open for the Royal Queensland Awards (RQA). Judging will commence in June, with new chief judge Julian Langworthy leading a panel of 26 industry experts from across the country including winemakers, sommeliers, restaurateurs, retailers, journalists and educators.
New in the competition this year is a trophy award for the Best Organic or Biodynamic Wine of Show, along with new Low Alcohol and De-Alcoholised classes.
“I am very hopeful of getting strong entries within the new Low Alcohol and De-alcoholised classes to help support and encourage excellence in this growing segment of the industry,” Langworthy said.
Langworthy explained that the awards are an integral part of the capital city wine show circuit, and provide an opportune time for winemakers to have their recently bottled 2024 wines assessed.
“The RQA has helped define and refine Australian winemaking and wine styles for 148 years and has a bright future in continuing to do so,” he said.
“In my first year as chief judge, I feel very humbled and honoured to play such an important role within this process.”
Along with providing judges feedback, the RQA also offers more than $18,000 in prizes.
There is a $12,000 fellowship on offer for the Angelo Puglisi Grand Champion Wine of Show to further the winemaker’s knowledge of the national and international wine industry, plus a $5,000 bursary for the exhibitor of the Dr Bill Ryan Best Pinot Noir of Show.
Meanwhile, the winner of the Emerging Queensland Winemaker of the Year will receive a $1,500 bursary, have their ‘top drops’ featured in The Star’s outlets and become an RQA associate judge in 2026.
The RQA medal-winners will be showcased to consumers at the Grape Grazing by Night event at the Brisbane Showgrounds on Friday 11 July, which attracts around 900 attendees each year.
Entries close Friday 30 May 2025. Winemakers can enter at www.rqa.com.au/competitions/wine-awards
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