Sydney Royal 200 – The Wine Show Conversation

For 200 years, the Sydney Royal Wine Show has helped shape the story of Australian wine – elevating quality and championing agricultural excellence. On 31 July, we’re bringing that story to life, and we want you to be part of writing its next chapter.

This is your chance to understand how the Australian wine show system works, going behind the scenes to see how wine is assessed with some of the wine personalities who have shaped where we are today. A full day of tasting, debate and celebration built around four judged brackets. You’ll taste wines blind, score them, and sit alongside some of the sharpest minds in the business as they reflect on where wine shows have come from, explain how to get involved and explore where shows are heading in the future. 

Panels will be led by Iain Riggs AM, Samantha Connew and P J Charteris, alongside current Sydney Royal Wine Show Chair Mike De Iuliis and international judge Matthew Jukes. Expect honest conversation, rigorous tasting and a rare behind-the-scenes look at exactly how your wines get assessed when you enter a wine show.

OUR EXPERT PANEL: WHAT WE’LL COVER

Session 1: History of Australian Wine Shows

– Iain Riggs AM – Chair of Judges at the Sydney Royal Wine Show from 2009 – 2014, Former Managing Director and Winemaker Brokenwood, Chair of the Shanghai International Wine Challenge
– Sally Evans, RAS of NSW Board Member, Sydney Royal Wine Show Committee Member (former Chair) and Len Evans Tutorial Chair
– Rob Diletti, Winemaker, Castle Rock Estate: Sydney Royal Wine Show Panel Chair, Len Evans Tutorial Scholar

Session 2: An International Perspective – The Evolution of Chardonnay 

– Samantha Connew, Stargazer Wines, 2025 ASVO Winemaker of the Year and a 2022 Halliday Wine Companion Winery of the Year finalist, Current Chair of Judges Royal Adelaide Wine Show
– Matthew Jukes, International Guest Judge, UK Honorary Australian of the Year, International Wine and Spirit Competition’s Trophy for Wine Communicator of the Year
– Jack Glover, Marketing & Sales, Hill Smith Family Estate, Owner, Zephyr Wines, Sydney Royal Wine Show Judge 

Session 3: A Seat at the Table: Pathways to Judging 

– PJ Charteris – Owner Charteris Wines, Chair of Judges at the Sydney Royal Wine Show from 2018 – 2021, Len Evans Tutorial Scholar
– Melanie Chester, General Manager, Giant Steps: 2025 Halliday Winery of the Year and 2026 Pinot Noir of the Year, National Wine Show, Sydney Royal Wine Show Panel Chair
– Toni Paterson MW, Wine Writer and Halliday Tasting Team, Chair of Judges at 2026 Hunter Valley Wine Show

Session 4: The Future of Wine Shows

– Mike De Iuliis – Owner, De Iuliis Wines, Current Chair of Judges Sydney Royal Wine Show, extensive judging experience across shows 
– Lauren Hansen, Owner, Bloomfield Wines: Dux of the Len Evans Tutorial 2024, Young Gun of Wine 2025, Sydney Royal Wine Show Judge 
– Louella Mathews – President Sommeliers Australia, Group Beverage Manager and Sommelier at Trippas White Group, Len Evans Tutorial Scholar 

This day is for exhibitors, aspiring wine judges, marketers, sommeliers, retailers and anyone ready to go deep on the world of wine show judging. Make the most of those wine show results by understanding how wines are evaluated and the rigour in assessment of wines as part of the show. There will be an exceptional line-up of wines included – a chance to come away as part of the conversation.

Lunch will be provided and networking drinks will follow the session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Food and Drink Included?
Yes. Lunch, refreshments, and networking drinks with canapés are included in the price of your ticket. You’ll also enjoy a selection of wine tasting samples during each panel session.

What time does the Symposium start?
The Symposium commences promptly at 9.00am and features four judging panels held throughout the day. The event concludes at 4.30pm, followed by networking drinks.

Is there public transport access?
Yes. The Howie Pavilion is located near Olympic Park Train Station and is approximately a five-minute walk from the Showground station exit.
Getting to Sydney Olympic Park | transportnsw.info
Site-map—sydney-showground.pdf

Is there parking available?
The closest parking location to the Howie Pavilion is P6, on the corner of Murray Rose & Australia Avenue.
Is there local accommodation nearby?
We typically recommend staying near the Showground at Sydney Olympic Park. Please note that accommodation may be limited due to the Chelsea FC v Tottenham Hotspur match taking place as part of the Sydney Super Cup.

About the Host Copy
Founded in 1822, the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW exists to shape the future of sustainable Australian agriculture. As a not-for-profit organisation, the RAS supports rural and regional communities and advances agri-business and agri-technology, ensuring prosperity, sustainability and stronger connections between urban and rural Australia.
The RAS invests over $11 million annually across competitions and programs supporting sustainable agricultural development. Through the RAS Foundation https://www.rasnsw.com.au/foundation/, it has distributed over 470 scholarships and more than 110 community grants to rural and regional communities across NSW. Since 2013, $275,000 has been committed to wine related scholarships.