The Sydney Royal Wine Show has opened its entries for 2024, with class entry limits removed and a new annual prize for non-alcoholic wine.

Taking place from 29 July to 1 August 2024, the Sydney Royal Wine Show will see an average of 2000 wines from approximately 300 producers judged, with 59 classes available and 32 trophies up for grabs.

The limit of entries per exhibitor per class has been removed due to increased capacity, allowing wineries to expand their entries. Additionally, wineries now also have a chance to win an annual prize for the best in class of non-alcoholic wines.

The non-alcoholic wine market is growing exponentially in Australia and around the world. Data from IWSR shows that no- and low-alcohol consumption is forecast to grow at a volume CAGR of 6% between 2023 and 2027. The market is now worth more than $US13 billion globally.

Why enter the Sydney Royal Wine Show?

The Sydney Royal Wine Show, established in 1826, is one of the most prestigious and longest running wine shows in Australia. Its annual trophy winners – such as 2023 Best Wine of Show winner Evans & Tate 2021 Redbrook Estate Chardonnay – attract headlines around the country.

Following last year’s win, Evans & Tate Senior Winemaker Matt Byrne said: “Sincere thanks to the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW in recognising Evans & Tate, not only in this year’s Show, but over many years.

“These awards are integral in Evans & Tate achieving its wine quality goals; we continually benchmark our wines against the award-winning wines that come to the fore each year at the Sydney Royal Wine Show and these wines provide the inspiration and drive for our team here in Margaret River year-in-year-out to simply make better and better wine.”

Daniel and Jane Maroulis of Boydell’s Boutique Wines in the Hunter Valley have won at the Sydney Royal Wine Show several years in a row, including the Trophy for Best Small Producer, Wine, for their 2021 Reserve Chardonnay.

“Winning at the Wine Show has really lifted our label, it’s given a legitimacy to what we produce,” Jane said.

She encouraged other small producers to enter, acknowledging, “it’s a hard slog selling and marketing your product, particularly up against some other labels that have a much bigger marketing budget than you might.”

“[Winning at the Show is] a really amazing way, an efficient way and a rewarding way to be able to get those accolades to be able to lift your product.”

A strategic investment in your winery’s future

Winning a medal or trophy at the competition also signals to consumers that their purchase has been lauded by some of the best judges in the country.

RAS Wine Committee Chair Angus Barnes said: “Entering the Sydney Royal Wine Show is a strategic investment in your winery’s future. We have a rigorous judging process, renowned for its integrity, which sets benchmark standards in the industry.

“A trophy or medal at Sydney Royal not only signifies an excellent product, but also validates your winemaking expertise by industry experts. 

“From a commercial standpoint, a Sydney Royal medal allows consumers to clearly identify your product as premium, which can contribute to increased sales, brand recognition amongst consumers and, ultimately, access to new markets.

“I encourage all producers, large or boutique, to enter the Sydney Royal Wine Show for the chance to be recognised and rewarded for your products and consistent hard work.”

This year will be the last time the competition will be led by Yarra Valley winemaker and Chair of Judges Sarah Crowe (above) as her three-year term draws to a close.

“It has been a joy to play such an integral role in a strong and historical capital city wine show and I am looking forward to seeing what producers have to offer this year,” Crowe said.

“For many, the 2024 vintage has delivered high quality grapes and decent yields, and as producers now search for long-term partners and committed consumers, shows like the Sydney Royal Wine Show can play an important role in helping share the great stories of our wines and their evolutions season to season.

“As a whole, the competition aim is to benchmark entries, provide meaningful feedback and ultimately find our most favourite wines to award trophies to. So, the harder it is, the happier I am since it shows the strength and expertise in our
large and diverse viticulture regions.

“I wish the best of luck to all Exhibitors and encourage everyone to get their entries in to be a part of what is sure to be a tough 2024 competition.”

In addition, the brandy and vermouth classes have been moved into the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW’s new Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show, which opened for entries on April 23.

Entries close 15 May 2024. For further information or to enter, visit the Sydney Royal Wine Show website.