ICC Sydney champions the best of NSW wine industry

24 Nov 2021

International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) has continued its commitment to New South Wales (NSW) wine producers by supporting and participating in a number of key wine industry events, including the ICC Sydney NSW Wine Awards, to promote NSW produce through its international network.

ICC Sydney’s partnership with the NSW Wine Industry Association, now in its third year, builds on the venue’s support for the state’s wine industry – more important than ever in the wake of harsh climate conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects.

To celebrate the NSW wine offering, the premier venue has released its fourth episode in its 100% Local docuseries – thus leveraging its wide-reaching digital marketing channels to share insights into the local wine industry that is connected through its supply chain.

The venue will host the 26th annual 2021 ICC Sydney NSW Wine Awards Presentation Luncheon, which will see the best of the state’s winemakers awarded trophies for their exceptional wines.

The luncheon, to be held at ICC Sydney on 10 December, will accommodate 100 winemakers, industry guests and Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of NSW as they come together to celebrate this year’s trophy winners.

Judging for the ICC Sydney NSW Wine Awards is taking place at the Centre this week where 16 expert judges, led by Chief Judge Mr Nick Spencer, including ICC Sydney’s Beverage Floor Manager Mitchell Beattie, will taste close to 1,000 entries from across New South Wales’ 16 wine regions. The wines are split into 16 trophy categories with additional awards for the Best Organic Wine of Show, the Chair of Judges Award and the 1828 Innovator of Show for boundary pushing wines that may not fit into the more traditional classes. There will also be a special trophy for the Best White in Show, Best Red in Show and overall 2021 NSW Wine of the Year.

ICC Sydney CEO, Geoff Donaghy said his team is proud to support the NSW Wine Awards and the industry’s emerging and established winemakers and labels.

“After an incredibly challenging year for NSW winemakers, the diversity and quality of the produce remains some of the best in world. Coupled with our commitment to feature 100% NSW wines on our menus at ICC Sydney, we are delighted to celebrate our wine industry’s finest producers and achievements,” Donaghy said.

President of NSW Wine Industry Association, Mark Bourne said ICC Sydney’s support for home state wines has been exemplary.

“The team at ICC Sydney always deliver in spades. Not only does the venue team support our industry all year round with a commitment to a 100% NSW wine list, but with their remarkable venue and professional people, our judging process and awards presentation are able to proceed after a challenging year for all,” Bourne said.

William Wilson, Food and Beverage Manager and Sommelier said the ICC Sydney NSW Wine Awards provided an opportunity for members of the ICC Sydney team to gain first-hand experience and exposure to the craftsmanship on display at the event.

“The quality of wine in NSW has continued to shine through this year and our team’s representatives have taken the opportunity to volunteer throughout the judging phase which not only provides a unique professional development experience, but also affords them access to the exemplary entries and talent on display,” Wilson said.

ICC Sydney is a prolific supporter of the NSW wine industry. The venue is a long standing partner of the NSW Wine Association, and recently was named as a NSW Wine Star in the 2021 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List Awards. ICC Sydney is a key sponsor of the Orange Wine Show which champions the best new release cool-climate wines and spring produce from Orange and its surrounding villages. William Wilson was an invited judge at the recent Australia and New Zealand Boutique Wine Awards led by industry legend Huon Hooke and featuring three Masters of Wine. Several of ICC Sydney’s wine producers and their entries were named winners at the Hunter Valley Wine Show held in October.

To view ICC Sydney’s 100% Local documentary series and the newly released fourth episode, ‘Old Vines’ showcasing NSW’s established wine regions and winemakers of enormous experience, visit: Winemakers | ICC Sydney.

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