The Victorian Wine Show was established in 1981 to benchmark Victorian wine. Today the show judges the largest number of Victorian wines of any show in Australia.
At the VWS there are two associate judges per panel. Associate judges are judges in training. It is a great opportunity to observe, participate in and learn about wine show judging. The associates judge the wines in the same way as the judges, but while their scores do not count towards a wine’s final score, associate judges are encouraged to speak up and offer their opinions during panel discussions.
There are a number of pathways to becoming an associate judge at the VWS. Many associate judges start out as stewards. Stewarding is a great way to see the operation of a show first hand and to get an understanding of the process and the work that goes in to organising a show. Roughly half the associates at the VWS started as stewards. Some associates are offered positions based on recommendations from other wine shows or the VWS council.
The VWS council is keen to encourage and support the diversity of wine show judges. This is why the VWS is working with Sommeliers Australia to identify potential candidates from non-winemaking backgrounds. The Victorian Wine Show prides itself on assembling a panel of esteemed judges who are industry leaders and respected figures in the wine world.
Please note: Accommodation and food is provided for all Associate Judges from Monday 27 – Thursday 30 October.
- Must hold a current Professional membership with Sommeliers Australia at the time of application and throughout the duration of the wine show.
- Must be actively working in the hospitality industry as a sommelier, wine buyer, or wine professional in a wine retail or distribution setting.
- Must submit a current CV, highlighting their relevant wine and service experience.
- Must complete a short questionnaire.
- Must have completed at least WSET Level 2 or have equivalent industry experience.
- Must be available from Monday 27 – Thursday 30 October to travel to Nagambie (please note scholar must arrange their own travel)
- Must sign a Sommeliers Australia Code of Conduct
Judging will be held from Tue 28 – Thursday 30 October 2025 in Nagambie.
Deadline for applications is Friday 26 September, 5pm AEST.
Link to the application form is here.
