AUSTRALIAN
Showcasing the depth and breadth of Australian Pinot Noir regions.
The Australian Pinot Noir Challenge celebrates
Pinot Noir in all its forms.
Australia is home to pinot noir growers and makers persistently seeking a more pure expression of their sites and the variety.
The advancement the Australian wine community has made in understanding all the variables which make pinot noir in Australia something truly remarkable, is outstanding.
Over three decades, the pinot noir community across regions has been brought together by a shared passion to improve, innovate and learn how to achieve pinot noir wines of superior quality. They have become a cohesive, intimate community determined to bring Australian pinot noir to a level which is world class.
The Australian Pinot Noir Challenge celebrates this achievement and all the elements which makes Australian pinot noir such a captivating, ethereal and elegant wine.
The challenge will bring the best of Australia’s pinot noirs to the attention of industry and consumers and help inform wine lovers about what makes Australian pinot noir distinctive and remarkable.
Australian Pinot Noir Challenge 2024
Entries Open: Monday 22 July 2024
Entries Close: Friday 19 August 2024
Exhibits must be delivered during the period Tuesday 20 August to Friday 30 August 2024.
Judging will take place on Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 September 2024.
Trophy announcement at Cutler & Co on Thursday 3 October 2024.
Click here to download the Event Schedule.
Tom Carson
Chair of Judges
Tom Carson is one of Australia’s most highly praised winemakers and viticulturists, Tom’s fastidious attention to detail and leadership of the wine show system sets the scene for an exciting Challenge in 2024.
“The diversity of Pinot Noir in Australia is a dynamic and ever moving target, viticulture and winemaking is constantly redefining the boundaries of quality and we are seeing the best ever Pinot Noirs made in Australia right now.
Since the inaugural Pinot Noir Challenge in 2017 the challenge has grown in stature, entries and esteem. It is this singular focus on one variety that it provides a unique moment in time for producers to have their Pinot Noir benchmarked against the most exciting wines being made today.”
Tom will be leading judging panels with some of the best Pinot Noir minds in the country including Samantha Connew, Gabrielle Poy, Loic le Calvez, Ben Portet, Anna Pooley and Tim Perrin with Associates Brendan Hawker and Imogen Dillon.
Awards Dinner 2024
Thursday 3 October 2024, Cutler & Co.
A celebration of pinot noir from across the country, the Pinot Noir Challenge Awards Dinner will showcase the top 15 wines across a Cutler & Co. with an especially curated and stunning 5-course menu.
Hosted by the charming and formidable Leanne Altman with Chair of Judges, Tom Carson this special night brings together winemakers, vignerons and wine lovers to celebrate the winners of the regional trophies and ultimately, crown the Best Pinot Noir wine in Australia for 2024.
Tickets are $285 per person
The Top 50 Pinot Noir Tasting
Top 50 Pinot Noir is an exclusive showcase of highest scoring wines judged at the Challenge, including the regional trophy winners and ultimately the winner of the best pinot noir in Australia for 2024.
The event will be held at Canvas House in South Melbourne on Saturday 5 October, and with pinot noir being the fastest growing varietal in Australia, tickets will be snapped up.
Some of the 2023 wineries included: Gilbert | Brangayne of Orange | Dirty Three | Cannibal Creek | Turon Wines | Sidewood Estate | Paracombe | Mulline | Scotchmans Hill | Baillieu | Dexter | Foxeys Hangout | Montalto | Paringa Estate | Stonier | Crittenden | Yabby Lake | Giant Steps | Oakridge | Seville Estate | Medhurst | Lonely Shore | Lowestoft | Handpicked Wines | Meadowbank | Mewstone | Pipers Brook | Pressing Matters
Guests enjoyed unlimited tastings of the top pinot noir wines in Australia, a generous grazing table and a RIEDEL glass to take home.
