The judging panels will be chaired by Sarah Andrew, pictured. Image supplied
Registrations are now open for the 2026 Air Liquide Concours des Vins – The French-Victorian Wine Show, inviting Victorian wineries to submit their wines “for assessment by an esteemed panel of French, Australian and international wine professionals”.
Hosted by FACCI with support of naming rights sponsor Air Liquide, the Concours des Vins “celebrates the quality, diversity and craftsmanship of Victorian winemaking through a distinctive French-Australian lens”.
The event has partnered with Sommeliers Australia this year, which organisers said further strengthens the competition’s “connection with Australia’s wine service and sommelier community”.
The two judging panels will be chaired by Sarah Andrew DipWSET, founder and director of Selador Wines as well as consultant, sommelier and educator. She will be joined by seven wine professionals spanning winemaking, sommelier service, education, consulting, import and distribution: Sophie Carbonneau, Thomas Gisbert, Gilles Lapalus, Loic Le Calvez, Christian Maier, Alexandre Rougeot and Camm Whiteoak. Sommeliers Australia will also appoint an associate judge.
“We set up the two panels with diverse skill sets to ensure each includes a winemaker for technical expertise alongside the stylistic perspectives of sommeliers, educators, consultants, importers and distributors.
“Five of the judges are French nationals, which is a point of difference for the show. They all come from the top of their industries,” said Sarah Andrew.
To enter, wines must be produced from Victorian vineyards. Eligible categories include Aromatic Whites (2025 vintage), Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz (2024 or 2025 vintages).
All wines will be judged blind within their category using the internationally recognised 100-point scoring system, with medal results announced in mid-October 2026.
“In the glass, we are looking for varietal definition, balance above all, as well as quality and depth. Each wine is judged on its own merit using the 100-point international system,” said Andrew.
The two highest-scoring medal-winning wines from each category will be showcased at the Gala Dinner and Special Awards Ceremony on Friday 13 November 2026 at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. The evening will also feature the announcement of the ‘Wine of the Year’, selected by the jury, and the ‘Public Choice Trophy’, voted by Gala Dinner guests. Both winners will receive “in-depth French Wine education courses” from Cardwell Cellars.
“Winning Wine of the Year at the Concours des Vins was an incredible honour for our business. Not only did it provide valuable exposure for our wines, but it also gave us the opportunity to connect with other passionate winemakers and industry professionals,” said Quinn Livingstone, owner of Harcourt Valley Vineyards and 2025 Wine of the Year winner.
Entries close Monday 31 August 2026 at 5pm.
Full entry criteria, eligible vintages, registration fees and delivery instructions are available here.
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