Formed in 2005, the New Zealand International Wine Show is firmly established as the largest wine competition held in New Zealand. In its inaugural year there were over 1900 entries rising to a record 2273 in 2008.

The judging will take place over three days from September 7th, and many of the country's most experienced senior wine judges will participate.

This year's competition will be conducted under the Chairmanship of Bob Campbell MW, New Zealand's most experienced senior wine judge and this country's leading wine educator. The senior judges involve a number of leading winemakers, several Masters of Wine and many key industry personnel. Most of the senior judges have each been involved in major wine competitions for more than a decade.

Wines from any country and made from any variety can be entered so it is vitally important the judges have the experience to match the enormous range of wines that will be submitted. The judges at the New Zealand International Wine Show have the experience; they know what is required.

The results of the judge's efforts will be presented at the Awards Dinner at Auckland's Crowne Plaza Hotel on Saturday 19th September.

At this gala dinner, in addition to the announcement of the Trophies, the Gold Medals and the Nissan Champion Wine of the Show, this year's recipient of the George Fistonich Medal will be revealed. Presented to a Legend of Wine in New Zealand, this prestigious award will be presented to someone who is living in New Zealand and has made a major contribution to the development and profile of New Zealand wine.

The previous recipients of The George Fistonich Medal have been Bob Campbell MW (2005 - pictured right), Kevin Judd (2006), Terry Dunleavy MBE in 2007 and Larry McKenna in 2008. Who will it be in 2009?