WELCOME TO THE CAIRNS SHOW WINE AWARDS
Presented by Regional Insurance Brokers
17-20 June 2026
ABOUT
To Examine Wine Quality and Style in the Context of a Tropical Location!
The 2026 Cairns Show Wine Awards is proudly Presented by Regional Insurance Brokers.
The inaugural Cairns Show Wine Awards held by the Cairns Show Association took place in 1992, and has been held annually since that date. In 2025, we are proud to celebrate our 33rd Wine Awards Anniversary!
The Awards shine a spotlight on wine style, appropriate food pairings, and overall wine quality. Their significance is particularly notable in the Far North of Australia, a region known for its robust tourism and hospitality industry.
The event’s reputation has been built on a firm commitment to internationally recognised judging criteria and the participation of high-trained Judges and Officials, lending creditability to the Cairns Show Wine Awards. The national recognition within the industry is evident form the calibre of Judges attracted to the event.
While the primary focus of the Awards is to acknowledge exceptional wines through the awarding of Trophies and Medals, it also aims to promote the event within the local wine market and provide exposure for wineries who enter. Following the completion of the Judging Process the general public is invited to attend our Public Tasting event.
Dates: Wednesday 17th, Thursday 18th, and Friday 19th June 2026
Categories: There are 11 Categories including Sparkling Wine, Fragrant & Aromatic White Wines, Light to Medium Bodied White Wines, Dry Full Bodied White Wines, Rose & Light Red Wine, Pinot Noir, Medium Bodied Red Wines, Full Bodied Red Wines, Dessert Wines, Fortified Wines, and Wines of Provenance.
Wine Entries: Wineries can view our Wine Schedule, as well as the Entry and Judging Processes via the Wine Awards Entry page of our website. All entries must be made by ShowRunner.
Officials: Judges and Stewards for the 2026 Cairns Show Wine Awards are currently being sourced. You can view our officials and apply for a Stewarding position on our Officials page. Our Judges are Volunteers with extensive experience in the wine and hospitality industries. Many are Winemakers and hold advanced degrees, wine qualifications, and diplomas. Our stewards are local professionals who have also worked in hospitality for years. Our system encourages growth, allowing stewards to progress to Associate Judges positions and so on.
Results: Results are compiled into a Catalogue Friday evening after Judging has concluded. The Results Catalogue is then provided to Patrons who attend the Public Tasting on Saturday. The following Monday, Results are published and available for viewing on our Results page of our website.
2026 CHAMPION WINE IN SHOW
Champion Wine of Show • Champion White Wine of Show
Bursting with lifted lemon and lime characters, this exceptional Semillon delivers a rich, dense palate balanced by remarkable freshness and incredible length. A standout wine that impressed the judges with its elegance, intensity, and varietal expression.
“Lifted lemon and lime flavours, palate rich and dense with incredible length.”
— Cairns Show Wine Awards Panel Judge
Available for purchase from Liquorland and BWS stores across Australia.
PUBLIC TASTING
Date: Saturday 20th June 2026
Location: De Jarlais Function Centre (Upstairs). Entrance via the Main Gates of the Cairns Showgrounds.
Time: Doors open from 3:00pm and close at 6:00pm. Last drinks are called at 5:45pm.
What to Expect: More than 300 wines across various styles from Sparkling to Fortified. Upon entry, each Patron will receive a free souvenir wine awards glass to keep and a Results Catalogue with details of medal winning wines to help you pick out your favourite wines. Each Patron will also have the chance to win our Lucky Door Prizes as well as attend the free Wine Appreciation Courses held throughout the day. Water, cheese, dips, breads, olives and assorted hot foods will be available to cleanse the palate between tasting as well as a cash bar for soft drinks.
Age Restrictions: You must be 18 years of age and over to purchase a ticket and attend this event. Security may ask for ID if you appear under the age of 25 years old.
Tickets: Limited release, available from 1st May 2026 via the links below. A physical ticket is not provided as there is a guest list. The ticket/s are listed under the name of the ticket holder. To enter the event, please be prepared to provide your name and email confirmation to the security guard.
Attire: Business Casual.
Adult Ticket
Admit 1 Person
$45.00
Group Ticket
Group of 10
$400.00
Member Ticket
CSA Member - Admit 1 Person
$35.00
Cairns Show Office
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Location: Enter through the Main Gates on the Corner of Severin St and Mulgrave Rd of the Cairns Showgrounds. The Office is located directly on the left.
Wine Awards Coordinator
Phone: 07 4042 6630
Email: [email protected]