History ofAbout Us Global Fine Wine
History ofAbout Us Global Fine Wine
The Most Exclusive Wine Show
in the World
As the challenge nears a quarter of a century, the competition is stronger than ever.
The Most Exclusive Wine Show in the World
As the challenge nears a quarter of a century, the competition is stronger than ever.
The Process
Exclusive to the nations of the New World, this challenge is accessible by invitation only and is restricted to the top 120 wines of each country competing – Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa & the USA. The very best selections across 22 classes are made by country representatives in light of their intimate knowledge of their own nations wines. The wines are transported to Sydney, Australia, and judged blind to discover the best that the New World has to offer.
There are 22 classes across which wines are judged – Classes include:
WHITE & ROSE WINES
Sparkling
Riesling
Aromatic Whites
Viognier
Pinot Gris/Grigio
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
White Blends
Non-Aromatic Whites
Dessert Wines
Rose
RED WINES
Pinot Noir
Merlot & Carmenere
Shiraz | Syrah
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Other Reds – Light to Medium Bodied
Other Reds – Full Bodied
Malbec
Bordeaux Blends
Red Blends
Fortified
The Process
Exclusive to the nations of the New World, this challenge is accessible by invitation only and is restricted to the top 120 wines of each country competing – Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa & the USA. The very best selections across 22 classes are made by country representatives in light of their intimate knowledge of their own nations wines. The wines are transported to Sydney, Australia, and judged blind to discover the best that the New World has to offer.
There are 22 classes across which wines are judged – Classes include:
WHITE & ROSE WINES
Sparkling
Riesling
Aromatic Whites
Viognier
Pinot Gris/Grigio
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
White Blends
Non-Aromatic Whites
Dessert Wines
Rose
RED WINES
Pinot Noir
Merlot & Carmenere
Shiraz | Syrah
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Other Reds – Light to Medium Bodied
Other Reds – Full Bodied
Malbec
Bordeaux Blends
Red Blends
Fortified
Our History
The Tri-Nations Wine Challenge was established in 2003 in the shadow of the Tri-Nations Rugby Championship. The participating nations featured the wines of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. James Halliday initially acted as the Australian Judge, Bob Campbell MW represented New Zealand & Michael Fridjhon looked after South Africa. Huon Hooke soon stepped in to replace James Halliday as the Australian Judge, and the Tri-Nations continued in this format from 2003 to 2010.
The Challenge expanded in 2011 to include the wines of Chile & Argentina, and became knows as the Five Nations Wine Challenge. Fabricio Portelli was appointed as the Argentinian Judge and Eduardo Brethauer selected the wines for Chile.
In 2013 the wines of America were included and the Five Nations became the Six Nations Wine Challenge. Dan Berger was appointed as the American judge – a position he fulfilled between 2013 & 2015. In 2016, Jon Bonne took over from Dan Berger as American Judge – this was however a short judging stint as Jon was commissioned to write a book and relocate to France the following year. 2016 also marked a change in country line-up – Argentina took a break from the Challenge due to a number of domestic economic reasons. Enter the wines of Canada, with Christopher Waters appointed as Judge.
2017 saw Ross Anderson take over control of the Six Nations Wine Challenge from Founder Judith Kennedy AM, and Patrick Comiskey was appointed as American Judge. The Challenge continued in this format from 2017 through to the conclusion of the 2019 season.
The 2020 Challenge was cancelled due to the impact of Covid around the world, but during this off season, several changes were rolled out. Chile followed the same path faced by Argentina a few years prior, and it was decided to give these amazing wines a break too. The Challenge, now back to five countries was re-branded for the final time, to the Global Fine Wine Challenge. Classes were expanded from the historical 16 classes to 22 classes, with Viognier, Pinot Gris/Grigio, Rose, Cabernet Franc, Malbec & Fortified wines being added to the line-up. Each country now has the opportunity to select and invite 120 wines across these classes.
Our History
The Tri-Nations Wine Challenge was established in 2003 in the shadow of the Tri-Nations Rugby Championship. The participating nations featured the wines of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. James Halliday initially acted as the Australian Judge, Bob Campbell MW represented New Zealand & Michael Fridjhon looked after South Africa. Huon Hooke soon stepped in to replace James Halliday as the Australian Judge, and the Tri-Nations continued in this format from 2003 to 2010.
The Challenge expanded in 2011 to include the wines of Chile & Argentina, and became knows as the Five Nations Wine Challenge. Fabricio Portelli was appointed as the Argentinian Judge and Eduardo Brethauer selected the wines for Chile.
In 2013 the wines of America were included and the Five Nations became the Six Nations Wine Challenge. Dan Berger was appointed as the American judge – a position he fulfilled between 2013 & 2015. In 2016, Jon Bonne took over from Dan Berger as American Judge – this was however a short judging stint as Jon was commissioned to write a book and relocate to France the following year. 2016 also marked a change in country line-up – Argentina took a break from the Challenge due to a number of domestic economic reasons. Enter the wines of Canada, with Christopher Waters appointed as Judge.
2017 saw Ross Anderson take over control of the Six Nations Wine Challenge from Founder Judith Kennedy AM, and Patrick Comiskey was appointed as American Judge. The Challenge continued in this format from 2017 through to the conclusion of the 2019 season.
The 2020 Challenge was cancelled due to the impact of Covid around the world, but during this off season, several changes were rolled out. Chile followed the same path faced by Argentina a few years prior, and it was decided to give these amazing wines a break too. The Challenge, now back to five countries was re-branded for the final time, to the Global Fine Wine Challenge. Classes were expanded from the historical 16 classes to 22 classes, with Viognier, Pinot Gris/Grigio, Rose, Cabernet Franc, Malbec & Fortified wines being added to the line-up. Each country now has the opportunity to select and invite 120 wines across these classes.
Evolution of the Challenge
Tri Nations Wine Challenge
2003-2010
Five Nations Wine Challenge
2011-2012
Six Nations Wine Challenge
2013-2019
Global Fine Wine Challenge
2021-Current
Evolution of the Challenge
Tri Nations Wine Challenge
2003-2010
Five Nations Wine Challenge
2011-2012
Six Nations Wine Challenge
2013-2019
Global Fine Wine Challenge
2021-Current
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