Organisers of the Innovation in Wine Awards are calling for entries by June 26^th.

Launched last year, the awards celebrate innovation in winemaking and wine marketing, recognising the pivotal role that creativity plays in the future of the New Zealand wine industry. 

This sets it apart from traditional wine awards which focus more on the technical aspects of the wine.

Chairman of Judges for the 2009 awards is Master of Wine Bob Campbell, who says he is delighted with his appointment.

“Production and marketing innovation is the lifeblood of the New Zealand wine industry. When trading conditions are tough, as they are today, it’s easy to put innovation on the back-burner and yet it has never been more important to produce wines that stand out in a crowd and to develop marketing concepts that grab the attention of your customers. 

“I'm proud to be part of an initiative that rewards creativity and promises to boost the sales and profits of New Zealand’s most innovative winemakers and marketers,” he said.

Bob Campbell who will be joined on the judging panel by Jason Bryant, director of Wine Vault; Erica Crawford, director, Tentpole Holding; and Cameron Douglas, master sommelier.

The awards are open exclusively to New Zealand wineries exhibiting at WINE 2009. Deadline to submit an entry is Friday June 26th and full details are available at http://tinyurl.com/lx56s6.

Award winners wiill be announced and trophies presented at WINE 2009 show opening on Sunday August 23rd.