2026 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards
30 Oct 2026
The 2026 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards attracted entries from more than 430 wineries across Australia, highlighting the strength, diversity and innovation that continues to define Australian winemaking. Melbourne Royal is very grateful for the interest and support it received from the Australian wine industry once again this year.
The calibre of our judging panel is one of the hallmarks of the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards. Across five days of judging at Melbourne Showgrounds in mid-October, 31 judges, led by Chair of Judges Marcus Satchell, generously shared their time, expertise and passion to assess this year's entries. Melbourne Royal highly values and appreciates the support and involvement of all the industry experts who judged this year. Their professionalism, insights and dedication help ensure these Awards remain a trusted benchmark of excellence for Australian wine.
The Melbourne Royal Wine Awards Committee led by Chair Dan Sims, and supported by Marcus Satchell, Ed Merrison, Tim Perrin, Kim Chalmer and Christina Kaigg-Hoxley, are instrumental in the success and cache of the Melbourne Royal wine awards. Their involvement, commitment and passion have played a vital role in ensuring the Awards continue to evolve while maintaining their reputation as one of Australia's most respected wine competitions.
The Melbourne Royal Wine Awards would not be possible without the dedicated team of stewards and volunteers who work behind the scenes to support the program each year. Melbourne Royal sincerely thanks all the volunteers and stewards for the time, enthusiasm and professionalism they bring to the Awards. Their commitment to excellence helps create an outstanding experience for our judges and exhibitors and is integral to the continued success and reputation of the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards.
Melbourne Royal highly values and appreciates the continued support of organisations that choose to support the awards as partners and sponsors. Thank you to this year’s Major Partners PLUMM, BevChain and SHARP EIT Solutions, Government Partners Agriculture, and Trophy Sponsors SANECTOR, VINOCOR, DIAM, Madderns and the Seabrook Family. Their ongoing support enables us to celebrate excellence and champion the Australian wine industry.
The trophy winners for the 2026 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards will be announced on Friday 13 November in Victoria Pavilion at Melbourne Showgrounds. For wine connoisseurs, this is luncheon like no other! Enjoy a fabulous three-course luncheon paired with a curated selection of 2026 trophy winning wines during the presentation including the winners of the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy for Best Young Red, François de Castella Trophy for Best Young White, Trevor Mast Trophy for Best Shiraz and Dr Tony Jordan Trophy for Best Sparkling. A limited number of tickets are still available. Secure your tickets today here.