About

The Marlborough Wine Show, sponsored by QuayConnect, is a regional wine competition run by Wine Marlborough Ltd.

The aim of the show is to:

  • Champion Marlborough wine excellence and wine provenance

  • Promote sub regionality and diversity of wines grown in New Zealand’s largest wine region

  • Promote and foster wine show judging talent within the region

The Marlborough Wine Show was created and built by Belinda Jackson and Margaret Cresswell in 2011. Wine Marlborough, the regional winegrower representative body, purchased the show after 2017 with the aim of continuing its legacy.

2026 Key Dates

Entries Open - Tuesday 25 August
Entries Close - Wednesday 16 September
Wine Samples due - Friday 9 October
Judging - 21-23 October
Results Notified - 29 October
Celebration & Trophy Presentation - 13 November

Applications for Associate Judges and Stewards for the 2026 Marlborough Wine Show will open on 10 July 2026 and close on 10 August 2026. Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application by 17 August 2026.

Awards

Wine Marlborough believes the show plays an important role in developing the reputation of Marlborough wine, as well as being a key event to celebrate the brilliant winemaking and viticultural talent in the region.

The competition rewards top-performing wines with trophies, gold, silver, and bronze medals scored using the 100-point system. All wines are tasted blind under strict wine show protocols.

Please visit the Awards page to learn more about these trophies and view previous results. We would like to thank our partners for their support of these special awards.

MEDAL IMAGES & STICKERS

Information

24 October 2025 - Going for Gold at 2025 Marlborough Wine Show, sponsored by QuayConnect

14 October 2025 - Judging to kick off for 2025 Marlborough Wine Show, sponsored by QuayConnect

Media Release 18 June 2025 - Key Dates Announced

2025 Entry Rules Terms & Conditions

Judging Team

Featured
Stu Marfell
Stu Marfell

Stu was born and raised in the Awatere Valley, not far from the Vavasour Vineyard. A graduate of Lincoln University with a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology, Stu joined Vavasour Wines in February 2003 as an assistant winemaker. Stu became chief winemaker in 2007. He has judged at many shows including Air NZ wine awards, Marlborough wine show and New world wine awards.

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Sponsors

We are very appreciative of the support of our sponsors. These companies are as passionate as we are about the Marlborough wine industry and we are grateful to have them on board.