- By Brenden Robnik (14/10/2026)
Heading 4.5 hours north to Swan Hill is no small journey, especially when it involves a late night, very little sleep and an early start, but it is a trip I absolutely love making. Out to Lake Boga for a full day of tasting, learning, great conversations and plenty of laughs, surrounded by people who share a genuine passion for Australian wine.
Another Year of Learning
This was my second year as an associate judge at the Australian Inland Wine Show, and once again it reminded me exactly why I love being involved in these events. With Jen Pfeiffer as Chair of Judges, you know you are going to walk away with a better understanding of wine than when you arrived. For me, that is the greatest reward.
I don't attend wine shows because I think I know everything about wine, quite the opposite. I attend because I know how much more there is to learn. Sitting alongside experienced judges, listening to their observations, understanding why they see certain characteristics differently and challenging your own palate is an invaluable experience. The only way to become a better taster is to keep tasting, keep questioning and, most importantly, keep listening.
The Importance of Australia's Inland Wine Regions
The inland wine regions of Australia have their own unique challenges, many of which are quite different from those faced by our cooler coastal regions. Water availability, extreme temperatures, irrigation management and the economics of producing wine at scale all play enormous roles in the success of these regions.
The Murray Darling Basin is the lifeblood of so much agricultural production across this part of Australia, and without access to its water, much of the viticulture we see today simply would not exist. Yet despite the differences in geography and climate, the challenges facing producers are often remarkably similar. Competition, changing consumer habits, declining wine sales, rising production costs, marketing pressures and, of course, the unpredictability of Mother Nature affect wineries right across the country.
Something I think we sometimes forget is just how important our inland regions are to the broader Australian wine industry. These regions produce a significant proportion of Australia's wine grapes, support countless regional jobs and communities, and provide wines that are accessible to everyday consumers. They are an essential part of the Australian wine story and deserve recognition for the work they do.
A Fascinating Day on Panel A
The show itself was divided into two judging panels, and I was fortunate enough to be on Panel A, led by the wonderful Sally Carusi, an absolute legend of the industry. Our day covered a fascinating range of classes, including Sauvignon Blanc, Fiano, Organic and Natural Wines, Non Commercial Wines, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Moscato and finally Sweet White Wines.
What I particularly enjoy about judging such a diverse range of wines is seeing how different varieties respond to warmer growing conditions and how producers adapt their winemaking to showcase freshness, balance and varietal character. Fiano is a particularly interesting variety in this conversation, with its ability to retain character in warmer climates, while the Shiraz and Cabernet classes offer an opportunity to explore the different expressions of these varieties away from Australia's more traditionally celebrated regions.
A Soft Spot for Sweet Whites
And then there were the sweet whites! Anyone who knows me knows I have a serious soft spot for a beautifully made sweet wine. Finding that balance between sweetness, acidity, freshness and flavour is no easy task, but when everything comes together, the results can be absolutely brilliant.
The Wines and Trophies to Watch
The trophies are always fiercely contested, and I look forward to sharing more once the official results are announced. What I can say is that there was a Rosé Moscato that crossed my path more than once throughout the day, and it was absolutely delicious. One of those wines that immediately makes you smile.
I cannot wait for the results to be revealed so I can find out exactly what it was and track down a few bottles for myself!
Country Hospitality at Its Best
Following the judging, we gathered for the judges' dinner with the wider committee, and this is another part of the experience I absolutely love. The conversations, the stories, the laughter and the genuine warmth of everyone involved.
There is something special about country communities and the way they come together to support events like this. Swan Hill and Lake Boga have a wonderful sense of hospitality, and you really do feel welcomed into the community rather than simply being a visitor passing through.
A Huge Thank You to Everyone Involved
A huge thank you to the entire Australian Inland Wine Show committee, the volunteers, fellow judges and everyone who works behind the scenes to make this event possible. These shows require an enormous amount of organisation, and the effort that goes into presenting, pouring, judging and coordinating hundreds of wines should never be underestimated.
The food, the service, the generosity and the kindness of the community were all outstanding. And don't even get me started on the country baked goods. Honestly, worth the drive alone!
Another brilliant experience, another opportunity to learn and another reminder of just how diverse and important the Australian wine industry really is.
Thank you again to everyone involved. I already look forward to coming back next year.
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