Royal Hobart Wine Show to proceed despite COVID-19

Another of Tassie’s lauded festivals has set a date to resume, with both national and local producers slated to showcase their products. Full details on this year’s event >>

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AFTER careful planning, the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania (RAST) will proceed with a scaled back Royal Hobart Wine Show this year.

Originally due to be held in August, the Wine Show will now be held over two days instead of the usual four – October 28 and October 29.

The schedule will be released later this month, with entries to close in September.

The Society has been involved in both local and national talks about this year’s Wine Show, which is one of Australia’s biggest capital city wine shows.

The coronavirus-compliant show will be restricted to five trophies and four categories: Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sparkling, and Chardonnay; and a Chairman’s Trophy.

Pilot and wine connoisseur Tim Birmingham judging at the Royal Hobart International Wine Show. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

Entry will be free and entrants will need only provide four bottles of wine for judging purposes.

Judging panels will be restricted to two, instead of the usual five, and the Show will be judged over two days instead of four.

“It is unlikely that we shall be able to appoint international or interstate judges, and we shall not be able to appoint associate judges this year,” RAST CEO Scott Gadd said.

While the Wine Show this year will be locally focused, organisers expect a good deal of interest from interstate producers of the categories which will be judged.

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The Society has developed a COVID Safety Plan for the event which importantly has received the backing of its insurers.

The RAST established the Wine Show in 1974 with the aims of promoting wine excellence; representing the best interests of wine consumers; and educating emerging consumers about wine.

“The industry has been going through a difficult time with the closure of restaurants and cellar door sales,” Mr Gadd said.

“We’ve worked to promote the industry for many decades, and mounting a wine show in this environment is our way of showing support for Tasmanian vineyards and wine makers.”

The schedule will be posted on the Society’s website once it is available.

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