The Canberra International Riesling Challenge was the largest single variety wine show in the Southern Hemisphere. Photo: Canberra International Riesling Challenge.
Sad news for local wine lovers: after a quarter-century of celebrating the world’s finest drops, the Canberra International Riesling Challenge has decided to put a cork in it for good.
The Riesling Challenge, at its peak, showcased over 560 wines from 19 countries.
When the Canberra International Riesling Challenge (CIRC) was first held in 2000, it was the first wine show in Australia to showcase a single wine variety. And in the following years, the CIRC became the largest single variety wine show in the Southern Hemisphere.
So why has it come to an end?
James Service, chairman of the Canberra International Riesling Challenge, said several economic challenges had coincided, making it impossible to keep the event afloat.
“The increase in international airfreight and challenging economic conditions in the international and Australian wine industries post-COVID have significantly impacted entry levels,” he said.
“Despite our best efforts, we have been unable to return to operating a revenue-positive event. Accordingly, the committee has agreed that ending the Challenge is the only appropriate course available.”
Riesling is an important wine for Canberra Region winemakers. Photo: Canberra International Riesling Challenge
The CIRC ran 24 events over a 25-year span – with one event cancelled during the pandemic – and saw thousands of attendees come through the doors. The intent of the event was to improve the reputation of Riesling as a wine and give people a new appreciation of this delicious wine.
The flavour of Riesling can change dramatically depending on the climate it is grown in, ranging from crisp lime and apple flavours in cool-growing regions to soft florals in warmer climes. This high-acidity grape is valued for its ability to ripen in cooler climates.
German and Austrian Rieslings are highly regarded internationally, and while Australian Rieslings are most commonly dry (no residual sugar), international winemakers often make off-dry and sweet versions of the wine. The CIRC gave attendees a rare chance to compare these different winemaking techniques.
For producers, the Riesling Challenge gave them the opportunity to compete not only with producers from their region, but with 500 other Rieslings from across the world. One wine would be selected as Best Wine of the Challenge, a prestigious title indeed.
While Canberrans are now regular drinkers of Riesling – I sometimes joke that a bottle of Nick O’Leary Riesling is more common than tap water on restaurant tables – this wasn’t always the case.
The CIRC committee said they were proud to have “restored the reputation of Riesling with consumers” and claimed to have played a part in Riesling’s premium position in the current market.
In 2025, the Best Wine of the Challenge trophy went to the 2025 Great Western Riesling from Grampians region winemakers Best’s. The Best Canberra District Riesling went to Gundog Estate’s 2025 Riesling.
Visit the Canberra International Riesling Challenge to see previous trophy winners.
Original Article published by Lucy Ridge on Region Canberra.
