Summary of the key information for the 2026 Awards:
The Australian & New Zealand Boutique Wine Awards, founded in 1996, is one of the oldest wine awards in Australia specifically focused on the small winemakers crushing 250 tonne or less and being independently owned and operated. These wineries are the heart and soul and the cutting edge for innovation. We celebrate and promote these mavericks and trailblazers every year through the Boutique Wine Awards.
The awards were chaired by Huon Hooke from inception until 2022 – some 26 years, which goes to show the importance and high standards of the awards in the Australian industry. Even COVID couldn’t stop the awards proceeding in 2021, where we became the 1st wine awards in the world to be judged remotely and in real time – see our video on how this all-unfolded HERE.
Since 2023, the incredible Toni Paterson MW has taken over the role of Chair, and already ushered in some dynamic changes across the board. We have just finalised our amazing team of judges for the 2025 awards, being held in early November and this year is shaping up to be another incredible one for the awards, celebrating 30 consecutive seasons.
Entries are already open - note deadlines below
This is the hard deadline – all stock must be delivered into and received by our warehouses no later than 17:00 on:
Australian Entries – Friday 16th October 2026 into Sydney.
New Zealand Entries – Friday 2nd October 2026 into Auckland.
Judging in Sydney between 4th - 6th November 2026
All Judges convene on Wednesday 4th November to judge the Awards. Judging concludes on Friday 6th November 2026.
Results will be announced on Friday 4th December 2026 at 12:00pm AEST.
All results information is under strict embargo until this date and time.
Are you eligible to participate?
To participate, wineries must crush 250 tonne or less and be independently owned & operated.
Our incredible panel of judges for 2026 include:
TBA…
Entry Fees information:
Entry fees information can be found HERE
New Awards Website is live
The Boutique Wine Awards new website is live and rich with previous show details, wines, exhibitors, judges commentary, points and images. There is still a lot of work going on behind the scenes to populate as far back as possible, and optimise each wine listing to maximise exposure, but we’re well on track with 2023 & 2022 awards live.
Watch our series of behind the scenes videos
Take a look at our behind the scenes videos covering the Awards, our Chair, our custom software and our judging environmnent HERE.
Scores and Medal Allocations
Our medals are assigned according to the following scores:
Ready to ENTER? Lets go
For Wineries wanting to participate and submit entries, follow ENTER HERE and follow the instructions to login or set up an exhibitor account. We are on hand to assist anyone with an enquiry, either via email to ross@anzbws.com.au or by phone – always happy to help out.