There are 150 more entries into the Single Vineyard Show compared to last year and Cowra Wine Show Chair Jenni Fagan says it has delighted the committee. 

“This is really exciting because there is an increase in numbers this year… it’s the first time in about 10 years because it’s been slowing dropping off,” she said. 

“I think it’s because we got accreditation to Canberra for the Single Vineyard Wine Show.

“There’s about 150 more Single Vineyard wines than we had last year, which is really great because the Gold and Silver winning wines get accreditation to Canberra straight away, so they have automatic entry which is very exciting.”

Mrs Fagan believes this has resulted in a lot more emphasis being placed on the vineyards and the grapes. 

“You can’t make a good wine out of bad grapes,” she said. 

“So with the Single Vineyard Wine Show, we are recognising the grower of the grapes as well and with Best White and the Best Red, we give a trophy to the grower of the grapes so they get some kudos. 

“In France, it’s all about the vineyard, the famous names are all about the vineyard, where the grapes come from.”

Mrs Fagan said the Single Vineyard Show also gives growers the opportunity to showcase the strengths of their various growing regions. 

“I think because in some regions they grow better varieties than other varieties,” she said. 

“If you down to cooler climates like the Yarra Valley, they actually do very good Pinots and you can’t grow a good Pinot in Cowra really because it’s too hot.

“Sauvignon Blancs seem to be better in cooler climate and seem to be better where there’s a bit of a maritime influence.”

Mrs Fagan said the Public Tasting gives people the opportunity to not only sample some of the finest wine in Australia, but it can be an educational experience too as the stweards who pour the wine can explain how it is grown and developed and how it can match with different foods. 

“I think that’s whats happening with the pouring because people can explain that’s a lighter red or that’s a heavier red or you might have this with beef or you might have that with chicken, just little things but they are useful,” she said.

“The stewards have a basic idea because they have an interest to start with. 

“We were terrified it wasn’t going to work last year… but in actual fact I think it was better.”

Tickets for the event can be purchased from the Cowra Show Society Office at the Showground Pavilion.