The Canberra International Riesling Challenge has been wound up after 25 years, with organisers citing rising costs and difficult conditions across the wine industry.
The decision brings an end to one of the region’s longest-running wine events, which began in 2000 and grew into the largest single-variety wine show in the Southern Hemisphere.
CityNews wine writer Richard Calver reported about the event’s uncertain future in March.
Challenge chairman James Service said increasing international airfreight costs and ongoing economic pressures affecting both Australian and overseas wineries had made the event financially unsustainable.
“Despite our best efforts we have been unable to return to operating a revenue positive event,” Mr Service said.
“Accordingly, the committee has agreed that ending the Challenge is the only appropriate course available.”
Over its history, the Challenge attracted entries from around the world and became a significant benchmark for riesling producers. Its biggest year was in 2018, when 567 wines were entered, while a record nine countries participated in 2019.
The event was established as Australia’s first wine show dedicated to a single grape variety and developed an international reputation among producers and judges.
Mr Service said the Challenge had played a role in improving both the quality of riesling wines and consumer appreciation of the variety.
“The restoration of the reputation of riesling with consumers and the premium position that it currently occupies in the market is, at least in part, attributable to the success of the Challenge and the people that made it happen,” he said.
He paid tribute to the judges, stewards, sponsors, management team and participating wineries who had supported the event over more than two decades.
Special thanks were extended to the ACT Government, as well as long-term sponsors.
Mr Service also acknowledged the work of successive committee members who oversaw the competition throughout its 25-year history.
The final Canberra International Riesling Challenge was held in 2025.
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