Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show

In 1999 Stefano de Pieri and Bruce Chalmers along with Dr. Rod Bonfiglioli, initiated the Sangiovese Awards and continued with the Australian Italian Wine Show in 2000. Following the success of these shows the first Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show was held in Mildura in November 2001.

The initial concept has evolved to include all alternative wine varieties (which are usually marginalised at mainstream shows) and now attracts over 600 entries from throughout Australia and New Zealand.

The show aims to provide an alternative to the mainstream wine shows, a dedicated forumfor alternative or emerging wine varieties and to encourage alternative, more cutting edge judging procedures.

The Show is run by a group of passionate people including Chief of Judges, Max Allen and forces in the Australian wine industry Louisa Rose elected Chairman in 2009, Kathleen Quealy and Mark Walpole.

Along with the committee this group is committed to exploring the growing, making, marketing and drinking of these exciting new wines.