The show promotes regional wineries from Bendigo, Heathcote and Strathbogie, with a key point of difference being that wines are judged not by winemakers, wine scientists or industry professionals, but by serious and enthusiastic wine buyers and drinkers with no formal wine education.
This year, wine lovers were also invited to apply to become judges.
Organisers noted there was often a gap between the wines that consumers chose to drink and those that won trophies at formal wine shows.
The people’s choice winners showcase that alongside emerging alternative and aromatic varieties, there remains plenty of appetite for big reds and fruit-driven whites.
Last year’s inaugural show invited wineries across the Central Victoria Zone to participate, including the Bendigo, Heathcote, Goulburn Valley and Strathbogie Ranges wine regions, with about 40 wineries entering.
Each winery was permitted to enter only one wine per class.
Trophy winners at last year’s sold-out awards dinner included Newbridge Wines’ 2025 Fiano from Bendigo, McPherson Wines’ 2024 Don’t Tell Gary Chardonnay from the Goulburn Valley/Nagambie Lakes, Condie Estate’s 2022 Naked Run Marsanne Viognier from Heathcote, and Sutherland’s 2023 Shiraz from Heathcote.
Silver Spoon Estate’s 2021 Death and Taxes Grenache Shiraz Tempranillo from Heathcote, Pelegrine Ridge’s 2013 Limited Release Shiraz from Heathcote, and Domaine Asmara’s 2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Heathcote were also among the winners.
The People's Choice Trophy for Best Wine of Show, voted on by attendees after tasting all gold medal wines, went to Carlei Wines’ 2020 Root Day Shiraz from Heathcote.
Tickets for the 2026 awards dinner are available at tinyurl.com/4v37cftk
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