Entries have opened for the 2024 Australian Pinot Noir Challenge, which has become a benchmark for excellence in Pinot Noir production.

The competition highlights the incredible diversity and quality of Australian Pinot Noir while also providing a platform for winemakers to showcase their craftsmanship to a broader audience.

2024 Challenge winner Meadowbank winemaker Peter Dredge said: “We only make around 300 cases of this wine and for such a small producer to take out such an illustrious gong was very special.

“We sold out within 10 days of the announcement, and it provided extra traction for our mailing list, which validated what we have been trying to achieve over the last ten or so years. The Challenge is such a tight competition and exceptionally run—we will certainly be entering again.”

The 2024 show will be chaired by Pinot Noir fanatic Tom Carson. Tom has been labelled a “Pinot Perfectionist” by the Halliday Wine Companion and believes “the sky is the limit” for Australian Pinot Noir.

The judging panel includes some of the best Pinot Noir minds in the country: Samantha Connew, Gabrielle Poy, Loic Le Calvez, Ben Portet, Anna Pooley, and Tim Perrin, with associates Brendan Hawker and Imogen Dillon.

Over two days of judging, the panel will benchmark the best of Australia’s Pinot Noir regions and wines assessing quality, regional variation, and emerging themes from Australian grape growing and winemaking.

Carson said: “Australian Pinot Noir is among the finest varieties, and while it has made significant strides, there’s still much potential to unlock. Judging this show is a highlight because it provides a chance to see how viticulturists and winemakers are mastering this notoriously challenging variety.

“It is in the vineyard where the potential is set, and as the show is judged regionally, it provides an opportunity to showcase what is happening in the region and who the regional stars are,” Carson said. “It is a detailed and precise assessment that offers grape growers and winemakers a chance to benchmark themselves against their peers.”

Results will be announced at a gala dinner at Cutler & Co in Melbourne on 3 October 2024.

Wineries can enter the 2024 Australian Pinot Noir Challenge by visiting the official website, pinotchallenge.com.au and completing the online entry form. The deadline for submissions is 19 August 2024.