Organisers of the 2021 New Zealand International Wine Show have hit pause as they investigate new judging dates, due to Alert Level restrictions in New Zealand.

The NZIWS, now in its 17th year, has been the biggest wine competition in the country since its inception. Judging was due to take place in Auckland from 13-15 September, led by Chief Judge Bob Campbell MW.

Wine Show Convenor Kingsley Wood issued a statement on Wednesday 25 August with an update on the event.

“This notice is going to all wineries and distributors, many of whom have already completed their entries for the 2021 New Zealand International Wine Show. As you will appreciate, Covid / Lockdown Level Four has presented us with some issues and it is likely we will have to reschedule the judging for the competition - we need to be at Level Two to continue with the show.

”We are investigating new dates, there are some that may be suitable - we will make a final decision once we know where the government is taking us. At this stage all received entries are in the system - many judging samples have arrived and they are locked away safe and sound.

“Entries were to close this Friday (27 August) but for now we will not be closing off on accepting entries this week.

The competition will be rescheduled once we have more information, after all the safety of our judges and staff is paramount.

We appreciate your understanding given the situation.”

W: nziws.co.nz

E: wineshow@nziws.co.nz