Published on 12 September 2023
The 35th annual Swan Valley Wine Show took place on September 6-8 at the beautiful Mandoon Estate. Presented by Swan Valley Winemakers, the wine show is an annual opportunity for winemakers to benchmark their wines against other wines throughout the region to ensure and encourage the striving for excellence in winemaking practices.
245 wines were entered into this year’s show and 41 gold medals were awarded, a reflection of the high standard of wines submitted. Local winemakers, business owners, and community members gathered to enjoy wine tastings and trophy presentations at one of Australia’s longest continually running wine shows.
The esteemed Best Swan Valley Table Wine of Show was awarded to John Kosovich Wines for their 2019 Chenin Blanc, which also received a trophy for Best Chenin Blanc.
It was a successful show for Mandoon Estate, who took home five trophies including Best Sparkling Wine (2015 Reserve Sparkling), Best Rosé (Discovery Mouverde Rose 2023), and Best Non GPZ Wine, Dry White or Dry Red (2022 Reserve Chardonnay). In addition, it was awarded Most Successful Producer with the highest accumulated points overall, and the City of Swan Trophy, which is awarded to the exhibitor whose five or more entries gained the highest average score.
Sittella continued its success from previous years receiving three trophies; Best Varietal Dry White Or Dry White Blend (2015 Sittella Museum Silk), Best Red Wine Blend )Sittella Avant Garde “El Vivero” Rouge 2023), and Best Fortified Wine Of Show (Sittella Liqueur Muscat NV).
Stringybark was awarded Best 2023 Dry White Wine Of Show (Stringybark Verdelho 2023), and Sandalford Wines achieved Best Shiraz Or Shiraz Dominant Blend (Sandalford 1840 Shiraz 2022).
Chief Judge Erin Larkin said, “The marquis classes at the show did not disappoint - Chenin Blanc, Verdelho, Grenache and fortifieds all stood up as highlights on judging day - as did the red blend classes. Brilliantly pleasurable drinkability on show there."
The Liquor Barons Trophy for the Best Regional Wine of Show is judged separately and is only open to gold medal winning Swan Valley wines and awarded to the wine that in the judge’s opinion shows true Swan Valley regional character. This was awarded to Upper Reach Winery for their 2022 The Gig Grenache.
View the 2023 Results Booklet
As the oldest wine region in Western Australia, Swan Valley is home to some of Australia's premier winemakers known for their innovation in the betterment of winemaking. The Swan Valley Wine Show is established as one of the leading regional wine shows in the state, and is proud to offer talented producers a chance to benchmark their choice wines against others in the district.