Clare Valley to launch The Australian Riesling Challenge

Clare Valley to launch The Australian Riesling Challenge

The Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association (CVWGA) has announced its intention to establish a new national wine competition dedicated exclusively to Riesling, with the inaugural Australian Riesling Challenge proposed for 2027.

https://winetitles.com.au/clare-valley-to-launch-the-australian-riesling-challenge/

As the recognised ‘home of Australian Riesling’, the Clare Valley has played a defining role in building the reputation of the variety over generations. The CVWGA says the proposed competition represents the next step in that legacy, celebrating excellence in Australian Riesling while creating a national platform for producers from every Riesling-producing region.

CVWGA chair Olivia Hoffmann-Barry said the association believes the Clare Valley is uniquely positioned to lead such an initiative.

“For decades, the Clare Valley has been synonymous with Australian Riesling. Our region has helped shape the reputation of the variety, both here and internationally, and we believe it is fitting that the Clare Valley provides a national stage to celebrate the country’s finest Rieslings.”

“This is not about one region. It’s about recognising and promoting the exceptional quality and diversity of Australian Riesling wherever it is grown, while acknowledging the Clare Valley’s long-standing leadership in the category.”

CVWGA wine show subcommittee chair Jarrad Steele acknowledged the significant contribution made by the Canberra International Riesling Challenge, which recently concluded after more than two decades.

“The Canberra International Riesling Challenge played an important role in championing Riesling and recognising excellence across Australia and beyond for many years. The Australian Riesling Challenge is not intended to replicate that event, but rather to build on its legacy with a fresh national platform to focus solely on Australia’s outstanding Riesling producers.”

“As a region renowned for the variety, the Clare Valley has a responsibility to continue leading conversations about the variety and investing in initiatives that strengthen its future. We see this as an opportunity to unite the Australian Riesling community and further elevate the reputation of this remarkable wine style.”

The Australian Riesling Challenge is envisioned as more than a traditional wine competition. The concept aims to bring together judging, education, trade engagement, media exposure and consumer experiences to elevate the profile of Australian Riesling and reinforce its place among the world’s great wine styles.

CVWGA executive officer Cherry Stowman said planning for the competition was underway, with the association working to develop an event worthy of becoming the national benchmark for Riesling.

“The Clare Valley has long championed Australian Riesling, and we see this as a natural evolution of that leadership,” Stowman said.

“Our vision is to create a competition that every Australian Riesling producer wants to win, one that not only recognises excellence, but also generates national conversation, strengthens the category and showcases the diversity of Australia’s Riesling regions.”

The concept will continue to be refined in consultation with the CVWGA board, and winemakers’ committees, with further details regarding the competition format and inaugural event to be announced later this year following completion of the planning process.

The Australian Riesling Challenge is intended to become an annual event hosted in the Clare Valley, reinforcing the region’s position as the home of Australian Riesling, while celebrating the wines and producers that continue to shape the future of the variety across Australia.