Cairns Show Wine Awards

Cairns Show Wine Awards 2026 Cairns Show Wine Awards
Presented by Regional Insurance Brokers & CSA
Judging 17th - 19th June
Public Tasting 20th June

The Cairns Show Wine Awards has become a feature on the Australian Wine Industry Calendar in June each year. Judging for 2022 will be Wednesday 8th June - Friday 10th June. Public Tasting Saturday 11th June 3pm - 6pm

EXCITING NEWS FOR OUR 2027 CAIRNS SHOW WINE AWARDS! 🍷We’re excited to announce that the Cairns Show Wine Awards will onc...
31/08/2026

EXCITING NEWS FOR OUR 2027 CAIRNS SHOW WINE AWARDS! 🍷

We’re excited to announce that the Cairns Show Wine Awards will once again be using ShowRunner AWRI for our 2027 competition! 🏆🍇

After using ShowRunner for our 2025 and 2026 Awards, we’re thrilled to be continuing with the platform for another year, making the entry and competition process easier for our wineries, judges, stewards and organising team.

Planning for the 2027 Cairns Show Wine Awards is already underway, and we can’t wait to welcome wineries from across Australia back to Cairns! 🥂

👀 Keep an eye on our socials and ShowRunner for updates on when entries open for 2027!

More information will be coming soon – so stay tuned! 🍷✨

DID YOU KNOW? 🍷Every bottle entered into the Cairns Show Wine Awards represents months - sometimes years - of dedication...
26/08/2026

DID YOU KNOW? 🍷

Every bottle entered into the Cairns Show Wine Awards represents months - sometimes years - of dedication, craftsmanship and passion from Australian winemakers.

In 2026, 500 wines were judged over three days by an experienced panel of judges through a rigorous blind judging process.

That means:
🍷 Thousands of glasses prepared and poured.
🍇 Hundreds of wines carefully assessed.
🏅 One unwavering standard of excellence.

Every medal awarded is earned through quality, balance and consistency - not reputation or label. Each wine is judged solely on what is in the glass.

The Cairns Show Wine Awards is proud to celebrate Australian winemaking and recognise the outstanding producers who continue to raise the bar year after year.









BEHIND THE SCENES 🍷Long before the first wine is poured and the judging begins, there's an incredible amount of work hap...
19/08/2026

BEHIND THE SCENES 🍷

Long before the first wine is poured and the judging begins, there's an incredible amount of work happening behind the scenes.

From carefully setting out hundreds of wine glasses to labelling every bottle for blind judging, every detail is meticulously planned to ensure each wine is assessed fairly and consistently.

Behind every successful Wine Awards are dedicated volunteers, experienced stewards and passionate judges, all working together to create a seamless judging process.

It's a team effort built on precision, professionalism and a shared passion for celebrating Australian wine.

Because at the Cairns Show Wine Awards, excellence isn't just in the glass - it's in every detail.

👏 A huge thank you to the volunteers, stewards and judges whose hard work makes the Wine Awards possible each year.









THROWBACK THURSDAY 🍷The Cairns Show Wine Awards has been recognising excellence in Australian winemaking since 1992.Whil...
13/08/2026

THROWBACK THURSDAY 🍷

The Cairns Show Wine Awards has been recognising excellence in Australian winemaking since 1992.

While our archives date back over three decades, the earliest photos and records we currently have access to begin in 2018 - making this the starting point of our journey through the history of the Awards.

This week's throwback takes us back to the 2018 Cairns Show Wine Awards, where judges, stewards and volunteers came together to assess some of Australia's finest wines through a rigorous blind judging process. 📸

Every vintage tells a story, and every year adds another chapter to the proud history of the Cairns Show Wine Awards. From dedicated volunteers and passionate judges to exceptional Australian wines, we're proud to continue a tradition that has celebrated quality and craftsmanship for more than 30 years.









MEDAL MONDAY 🏅Ever wondered what it really means when a wine is awarded Gold?A Gold Medal isn't given lightly.Before a w...
07/08/2026

MEDAL MONDAY 🏅

Ever wondered what it really means when a wine is awarded Gold?

A Gold Medal isn't given lightly.

Before a wine earns this prestigious award, it is assessed through blind judging by an experienced panel of wine judges. Every bottle is judged on its own merits - without the judges knowing the producer or brand.

To achieve Gold, a wine must demonstrate:
🍷 Outstanding quality
⚖️ Balance and harmony
🍇 True varietal character
✨ Exceptional overall appeal

Only a small percentage of wines achieve Gold, making it a mark of excellence that winemakers strive for.

At the Cairns Show Wine Awards, every medal represents countless hours of dedication - from the vineyard to the winery - all recognised through an independent judging process.

When you see a Gold Medal on a bottle, you can be confident you're enjoying a wine recognised for its exceptional quality. 🏆

💬 Have you ever chosen a wine because it had a medal on the bottle? We'd love to hear your experience!









WINE 101 🍷Ever spotted the word "oaked" on a wine label and wondered what it actually means?Oak plays an important role ...
05/08/2026

WINE 101 🍷

Ever spotted the word "oaked" on a wine label and wondered what it actually means?

Oak plays an important role in the winemaking process. Depending on how it's used, it can add delicious layers of flavour and complexity to a wine.

✨ Oaked wines may develop notes of:
🌿 Vanilla
🥜 Toast
🌶️ Spice
🍫 Chocolate
🥥 Coconut

Oak can also influence a wine's texture, creating a richer, smoother mouthfeel.

Not every wine is aged in oak, though. Many varieties are intentionally made without it to preserve their fresh fruit flavours and vibrant character.

Next time you're choosing a bottle, have a look at the tasting notes - you might be surprised at how much oak can shape the final wine.









WINE MYTH FRIDAY 🍷MYTH: Red wine should always be served at room temperature. False! ❌ When this advice first became pop...
31/07/2026

WINE MYTH FRIDAY 🍷

MYTH: Red wine should always be served at room temperature.
False! ❌

When this advice first became popular, "room temperature" referred to the cool stone homes of Europe - around 16–18°C, not the average Australian living room.

Serving red wine too warm can:
🍷 Make the alcohol seem stronger.
🍷 Reduce the wine's freshness.
🍷 Mask the fruit flavours.
🍷 Leave the wine tasting flat.

For most red wines, aim for 16–18°C. If your bottle has been sitting on the kitchen bench, popping it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before serving can make all the difference.

Wine is all about enjoying it at its best - and sometimes, a small change in temperature can completely transform what's in your glass. 🍇









29/07/2026

Our 40th harvest has OFFICIALLY begun, and it's the earliest start in our history, only the third time in 40 years we've kicked off in July.

The first fruit of our 2026 vintage from our Estate Vineyards was picked under the stars on July 27th and hit the crushpad by early morning.

This year's crop is lighter than the last few, but that means smaller berries, tighter clusters, and more concentrated, high-quality wine.

29/07/2026

Looking to learn more about wine without the intimidation factor?

The Conservatory Bar weekly Book Club is proving that wine education can be both approachable and fun. Held every Wednesday, the concept is simple: no books, no homework, and no need to be a wine expert. Instead, guests are invited to explore a different wine topic each week through guided tastings and conversation.

For $30, participants enjoy a selection of wines paired with a snack, while gaining practical knowledge one sip at a time. Best of all, there’s no need to book and no set start time—simply drop in when it suits you.

Whether you’re just beginning your wine journey or looking to build your confidence, Book Club offers a relaxed way to learn more about what’s in your glass.

📍 The Conservatory Bar
📅 Every Wednesday

Who says learning can’t come with a wine glass in hand? 🍷

& wine experience

Address

Cnr Severin St & Mulgrave Road
Cairns, QLD
4870

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+61740426630

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Cairns Show Wine Awards posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category