Mr. Andrew Corrigan MW
Andrew Corrigan MW was the instigator of the Cairns Show Wine Awards with the view of promoting wines suitable or adaptable to the tropical palate and lifestyle.
Andrew Corrigan MW has been fascinated by food and wine from a young age, so he became a Master of Wine in 1997 after passing the rigorous exams of the London based Institute of Masters of Wine. Andrew is one of fifteen Masters of Wine in Australia, of which there are only about 400 in the world.
He has been involved in restaurant ownership and management and has consulted on several award winning wine lists. He is a regular contributor to Winestate Magazine, The Wine Spectator (U.S), The Courier Mail, The Sydney Morning Herald and Gourmet Traveller.
He is known as an excellent wine educator and presents regularly in Australia as well as at international seminars for the Masters of Wine.
PANEL JUDGES
Mr. Hamish Seabrook
Hamish Seabrook, a fifth-generation winemaker at Seabrook Wines, upholds a rich family legacy while establishing himself as a leading figure in the Australian wine industry. With years of experience and a deep passion for winemaking, he produces wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Barossa Valley and beyond. In addition to his winemaking, Hamish frequently serves as a judge at top wine shows, including those in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Rutherglen, and the Barossa, where his refined palate and expertise are widely respected.
Among his many achievements, Hamish has earned numerous awards, trophies, and medals for his exceptional wines. One of his most notable accomplishments is being named Dux of the prestigious Len Evans Tutorial in 2004, a highly regarded honor in the Australian wine industry.
Ms. Brooke Blair
Brooke’s journey into winemaking began after she graduated from the University of Adelaide with a degree in Oenology. She honed her skills over three vintages at Hollick Wines in Coonawarra before expanding her horizons internationally. Brooke traveled to Spain to experience her first vintage in the Northern Hemisphere, but it was in Canada that she found a home for the next 11 years, immersing herself in the industry and further developing her expertise.
Today, Brooke is the Senior Winemaker at Brand’s Laira in Coonawarra, where she leads a dedicated team committed to preserving the rich legacy of the winery. With a passion for winemaking and a wealth of global experience, she continues to craft wines that reflect both the tradition and innovation of Brand’s Laira.
Ben Wilcox
A distinguished White Winemaker at d’Arenberg, Ben joined the 2024 Cairns Show Wine Awards as a first-time judge, bringing a wealth of expertise to the panel. Based in Sydney, Ben’s career in winemaking began as a Vintage Cellar Hand at Petaluma Wines, and through years of dedication, he has advanced to his current role at one of Australia’s most respected wineries.
Ben has also earned recognition as a judge at prestigious wine shows, including the 2021 Barossa Wine Show and the 2024 McLaren Vale Wine Show, where he served as an Associate Judge.
His deep knowledge of white varietals and meticulous approach to judging significantly enriched the Cairns Show Wine Awards this year. His involvement underscores the event’s commitment to maintaining high standards in celebrating and promoting Australian winemaking excellence.
SENIOR JUDGES
- Mr. BJ Foley – Beer & Wine Food Critic
- Mr. Kenji Izukura – DipWSET Level 4 Diploma, Gathered Wine.
- Mrs. Lorraine Evans – Qualified Wine Steward
- Ms. Hayley Wano – Sommelier
- Mr. Chirs Ford – Wine Educator
- Mr. Mark Snow – Wine Educator
ASSOCIATE JUDGES
- Ms. Brooke Edson – Australian Vintage, Tempus Two Winemaker.
- Mr. Ethan Frawley – DipWSET Level 2.
- Ms. Iliana Dmitrieva – DipWSET Level 2.
STEWARDS
- Mr. Ian Richards – Pouring Room Steward
- Mrs. Carol Allen – Cellar Steward
- Mrs. Trish Young – Cellar Steward
- Mr. Malcolm O’Hara
- Ms. Adrienne Paget
- Mr. Bernard Mason
- Mrs. Lynette Mason
- Mr. Doug Jones
- Mrs. Karynne Wighton
BECOMING A STEWARD
Stewarding for the Wine Awards presents a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into the Wine Judging Industry and to connect with like-minded individuals.
Our stewards are encouraged to shadow our Judges and learn the art of wine tasting. This hands-on experience enables Steward to observe and receive education in wine appreciation and can potentially lead to the opportunity to become and an Associate Judge.
The role of Steward is integral to the success of the Wine Awards Judging, and participation is greatly valued. To learn more about the Stewarding program and to get involved, please view the Stewards Handbook.
ADMINISTRATION
Cairns Show Association Team
- Miss. Amy Jones – Wine Awards Coordinator
- Miss. Heather Rowlands – Receptionist
- Mr. Ian Moller-Nielsen – Secretary / Manager
- Ms. Emily Barker – Venues Coordinator
- Mrs. Naomi Steward – Finance Officer