THE North East Victorian Wine Challenge was held at the Myrtleford Bowls Club last month after a four-year hiatus, with local winery Billy Button Wines winning a number of awards for a 2023 white wine.

The wine show celebrates the diversity of styles and varieties produced in the North East Victorian Wine Zone, which encompasses the Alpine Valleys, Beechworth, Glenrowan, King Valley and Rutherglen.

According to event manager Alpine Valleys Vignerons, the wine challenge had a record 335 entries across 27 classes.

Treasurer and secretary of Alpine Valleys Vignerons Bridget Phillips said support from each of the regional wine associations – Wines of the King Valley, Winemakers of Rutherglen, Glenrowan Vignerons and Beechworth Vignerons – and the collaboration between the regions, is integral to the show’s success.

“There’s a lot of work that goes into the organisation of a wine show and the region’s wine producers have wholeheartedly supported this event, from entering their wines to attending committee meetings, rounding up sponsors and providing staff to help with stewarding, and the washing and polishing of glasses over the three days of judging,” she said.

Wine writer, educator and presenter Jane Faulkner returned as chair of the judging panel.

“I’ve witnessed this show not only grow, but flourish,” Ms Faulkner said.

“The North East zones all have their strengths with an array of outstanding wines, and many have been on show this week.”

Ms Faulkner said there were strong classes of tempranillo, chardonnay and shiraz amongst the record number of entries.

“Each region is pushing boundaries with some producers creating different styles or interpretations of a particular variety or varieties, and all the while, the fine-tuning continues,” she said.

“To all those who came on board from sponsors, exhibitors to those behind-the-scene, including stewards and all the essential support staff, thank you.

“You have ensured this little show has morphed into one of the best.

“It is why it can attract the highest calibre of judges as it did this year.

“Those outstanding judges were thoughtful, considered, thorough and worked diligently to seek out wines worthy of medals, especially the gold ones and ultimately the trophy winners."

The wine challenge culminated in a public tasting followed by the trophy presentation, where Billy Button Wines was awarded the TAFCO Wine of Show Trophy for their 2023 ‘Not the Cheese’ Pecorino.

The wine also received the Best Wine of Region trophy, the Laffort Best White Table Wine Trophy and also Classic Oak Products Best Alternative White Wine Trophy.

A Rodda Wines was awarded the Xcel Freight Wine of Provenance Trophy for their trio of tempranillo from the Aquilla Audax Vineyard.

Other standout wines included the 2012 Cofield Provincial Black Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay and the 2021 Mayford Tempranillo.

Brian Lewis of Greenacres Vineyard in Merriang South won TAFCO Viticulturist of the Year.

The Alpine Valleys was awarded the Regional Shield, given to the wine region with the highest aggregate points.

Alpine Valleys Vignerons president Stef Antonello said they appreciated the support received from local and wine industry sponsors.

“We’re still in a rebuilding phase, getting this show back up and running after a few years off, and their support was absolutely essential for a successful event," Mr Antonello said.

“We’re really building on the momentum of the attention that this region has been receiving, not only within the wine community for the diverse and quality wines we are producing, but from the greater region as a vibrant year-round wine tourism destination.”