The 2010 Liquorland International Wine Competition
Posted: 26/06/2010 7:51:36 p.m.
It’s over for another year – the mustering of some 1420 entries (equates to about 5,500 bottles of wine), 21 judges, 25 stewards and numerous pieces of equipment (2,500 glasses, 100’s of trestle tables etc etc), culminating in 820 wines winning gold, silver or bronze medals.
2010 was the 17th year of the Liquorland International Wine Competition and my 6th as Director. As always it was a great team who came together to ensure its success – Chief Judge, Mike DeGaris keeping the judges on the go and Chief Steward, Shona White keeping everything running smoothly in the ‘back room’.
For the first time, the results were not embargoed. Wineries and distributors receiving their official emails over the weekend were able to spring into action with press releases left, right and centre (can we start a campaign against the word ‘scooped’?) Of course there are still the gongs to announce – this will happen on July 1 in Auckland and include Champion Wine of the Show and Champion Producer.
Running a big wine show, like many things in life, is about balance. For me it is a balance of professionalism and fun. All those who give up their time to be part of the event seems to enjoy the level of experience, knowledge and wisdom that we bring together, but also enjoy the team spirit and camaraderie. In fact, when selecting judges (and stewards), their ability to be part of a team is vital and even if they have the best palate in the country, if they can’t work with our ‘team’ philosophy, then they are not invited.
I believe in looking after those who come together to make the competition the success that it is. From gift packs to welcome dinners, a team night and an exclusive judges’ dinner through to the standard of accommodation – it all reinforces the value these people provide. A judges’ feedback form is provided at the end of the three days to monitor our performance as organisers. It covers everything from accommodation and judging venue to food, communication, the judging, stewarding – everything. There is no room for complacency when you run an event such as this. Constant evaluation and improvement is vital to the ongoing success, be it from the industry perspective or that of the consumer.
The consumer comes into play when the Liquorland Top 100 promotion is rolled out. This year the retail proposition has changed hence bringing the judging forward to May instead of the customary end of August. Liquorland stores across New Zealand will be involved in offering the best range of wines currently available on the New Zealand market, to their customers.
The end of day three arrives – each of the previous two days have been packed down, following very successful tastings when we invited the local wine industry to come and try the wines between 5.30 and 6.30pm. While this is taking place, all the unopened bottles are packed back into cartons and palletised ready for shipping to Dunbar Sloane in Wellington for auction. The proceeds – some $80,000 over five years – are pledged to the New Zealand wine industry in the form of a scholarship. Submissions are currently being accepted and recipients will be announced at the beginning of June.
And the final thing? Renwick’s Cork & Keg for a large gin and tonic.