Welcome to the Hunter Valley Boutique Winemakers Show
This year, our 35th year, we continue to build on our revitalised format, proudly hosting the Show Celebration Lunch, including entertainment and the ever popular, Exhibitor Tasting now in the grand new Maitland Town Hall.
Building on the new format launched in 2025, the luncheon has quickly become a highlight, offering a vibrant new setting to connect, celebrate, and taste the finest wines the Hunter Valley has to offer.
important dates
21st July 2025 - Entries Open
18th August 2025 - Entries Close
9am-1pm - 8-10th September - Exhibit Deliveries
15 - 17th September 2025 - Show Judging
26th September 2025 - HV Boutique Wine Show Lunch, including amazing food by Sprout, entertainment, music and the award presentation.
With over three decades of tradition and excellence, the Show remains the region’s premier platform for boutique producers to share their stories and showcase their outstanding creations. Whether you're a returning entrant or joining us for the first time, your participation strengthens the legacy and future of boutique winemaking in the Hunter.
Thank you to Hunter River Agricultural & Horticultural Association for presenting the Show again in 2025 and to all of our sponsors who make this Show possible.
Entries are now open, and we’ve made the process super easy as ever. We look forward to receiving your submissions soon and welcoming you to this landmark year of celebration.
Celebration Lunch
Be sure to join the celebration at our show luncheon.
In 2025, we are taking it to the next level - The best of our 2024 Show entries, amazing food by Sprout, entertainment, DJ, and exhibitor tasting.
Show Luncheon & Exhibitor Tasting
26th September 2025 - 12:00noon
Maitland Town Hall,
263 High Street, Maitland 2320
Dress: Cocktail
Our Judges
Panel A
Mark Richardson (Panel Chair)
Jade Hafey
Hugh Spinaze
Valentina Moresco
Panel B
Nicole Gow (Panel Chair)
Will Figueira
Brett Woodward
Nicholas Kruger
Stewards
Harrison Medley
Laura Carr
Brooke Omotosho
Jennifer Bishop
congratulations to the winners of 34th annual show
The highly anticipated 34th annual Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Show has once again highlighted the exceptional talents of our region’s boutique winemakers. The 2024 event brought together the best wines in the valley, judged by a prestigious panel led by Neil McGuigan.
After two rigorous judging days in early September, the show is proud to announce the major winners for 2024:
The Karl Stockhausen Commemorative Trophy for Best White Wine of the Show was awarded to Colvin Wines for their exceptional 2009 De Beyers Vineyard Semillon. This wine stood out for its elegance and precise expression of the Hunter Valley’s renowned Semillon varietal.
The Ray Healey Trophy for Best Red Wine of the Show went to Thomas Wines for their 2018 Kiss Shiraz, a wine that impressed with its depth, complexity, and bold character, a true representation of the region’s premium Shiraz offerings.
Most Successful Boutique Exhibitor was also awarded to Thomas Wines, recognising their consistent excellence across a variety of categories in this year's competition.
Class winners for 2024 are:
| Class 02 | Section B - 2023 Shiraz | Briar Ridge Vineyard | Briar Ridge 2023 The Gatherer Single Vineyard Shiraz |
| Class 04 | Section B - 2023 Dry Red Other Varieties or Blends | Thomas Wines | Thomas Wines 2023 DJV Shiraz Pinot Noir |
| Class 05 | Section C - 2022 Shiraz | Thomas Wines | Thomas Wines 2022 Elenay Shiraz |
| Class 07 | Section C - 2022 Dry Red Other Varieties or Blends | Peter Drayton Wines | Peter Drayton Anomaly 2022 Barbera |
| Class 08 | Section D - Open Vintage Shiraz 2021 and older | Thomas Wines | Thomas Wines 2021 Kiss Shiraz |
| Class 11 | Section E - Museum Dry Red Varietal or Blend 5 years and older | Thomas Wines | Thomas Wines 2018 Kiss Shiraz |
| Class 12 | Section F - 2024 Semillon | Krinklewood Estate - NSW | Krinklewood 2024 Semillon |
| Class 15 | Section F - 2024 Dry White Other Varieties or Blends | John Wallace Wines | John Wallace Wines 2024 Maggie White Vermentino |
| Class 16 | Section G - 2023 Semillon | Thomas Wines | Thomas Wines 2023 The OC Semillon |
| Class 17 | Section G - 2023 Chardonnay | Tinklers Wines | Tinklers Wines 2023 Poppys Chardonnay |
| Class 19 | Section G - 2023 Dry White Other Varieties or Blends | Savannah Estate | Savannah Estate 2023 Viognier |
| Class 20 | Section H - Open Vintage Semillon 2022 and older | Tinklers Wines | Tinklers Wines 2017 Reserve Semillon |
| Class 21 | Section H - Open Vintage Chardonnay 2022 and older | David Hook Wines | David Hook 2022 Chardonnay |
| Class 24 | Section I - Museum Dry White Varietal or Blend 5 years of age or older | Thomas Wines | Thomas Wines 2014 Cellar Reserve Braemore Semillon |
| Class 25 | Section J - Open Vintage Sparkling Wine - All Styles, All Production Methods | Iron Gate Estate - NSW | Iron Gate Estate 2023 Blanc de blanc Sparkling Chardonnay |
| Class 26 | Section K - Open Vintage Rosé Style | John Wallace Wines | John Wallace Wines 2024 Tilba Rose |
| Class 42 | Section S - 2024 Semillon | Gartelmann Wines - NSW | Gartelmann Wines 2024 Benjamin Semillon |
| Class 44 | Section S - 2024 Verdelho | Gartelmann Wines - NSW | Gartelmann Wines 2024 Jessica Verdelho |
| Class 46 | Section T - 2023 Semillon | Whispering Brook | Whispering Brook 2023 Single Vineyard Semillon |
| Class 47 | Section T - 2023 Chardonnay | Ernest Hill Wines | Ernest Hill 2023 Chicken Shed Chardonnay |
| Class 50 | Section U - Open Vintage Semillon 2022 or older | RidgeView Wines - QLD | RidgeView 2013 Impressions Semillon |
| Class 54 | Section V - Museum Dry White Varietal or Blend 5 years of age and older | Colvin Wines De Beyers Vineyard | Colvin Wines 2009 Semillon |
| Class 57 | Section Y - Open Vintage Sweet Table Wine greater than 1 Be | RidgeView Wines | RidgeView 2006 Tipple's Gold Botrytis Semillon |
These winners exemplify the best of Hunter Valley winemaking, showcasing the unique terroir and exceptional craftsmanship of the region's boutique producers. Congratulations to all the winners and exhibitors of a wonderful show and we look forward to celebrating your success again in 2025.
The 2025 Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Show is proudly supported by
