Judges confirmed

Australian based Mark Protheroe and Ronny Lau from China, will join the New Zealand judges in early November, to swirl, smell and sip the hundreds of local wines entered into the competition.

The Air New Zealand Wine Awards is one of the country's most prestigious awards, owned and organized by NZ Winegrowers. Entries opened in August and the judging will take place from November 2 until 4, in Auckland.

International judges play a vital role in the event, bringing their individual expertise to the awards. Chair of Judges, Michael Brajkovich MW says they also get a unique opportunity to discover the style of wine emanating from New Zealand.

"This is important for New Zealand wine makers and the industry as a whole."

In terms of experience, Mark Protheroe has an impressive CV. Last year he was awarded Sommelier of the Year by The Age Good Food Guide and was one of three national finalists in the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Best Restaurants Guide. He is currently on the national executive for Sommeliers Australia and heads up the beverage operations for the Grossi group of restaurants in Melbourne.

Ronny Lau is an independent wine critic and has been the co-chairman of the Shanghai International Wine Challenge since 2011. He is a regular wine and spirits columnist for 10 different publications in Hong Kong, mainland China and Malaysia. He has also written six wine books and is the editor and author or two wine books for the Greater China Wine Critics Association.

While the judging will take place early November, wine makers will have to wait to find out if their wine has been awarded a trophy. The Air New Zealand Wine Awards dinner is being held in Nelson this year, on November 28.