Strong New Zealand presence at 2012 International Wine Challenge

Returning to our desks after the new year means it must be time to enter the International Wine Challenge.

Now in its 29th year, the International Wine Challenge is the world's most prestigious and influential wine competition and can make a real difference to your export markets - a 2011 IWC gold medal winner from Western Australia reported a 40% uplift in sales thanks to the Challenge.

There's also a strong New Zealand contingent presiding over the Challenge this year with Kiwis Peter McCombie MW and Sam Harrop MW filling two of the six resident chair positions. And they are hoping for a wide range of strong entries from New Zealand this year.

Fellow IWC chairman and international judge at the most recent Air New Zealand Awards, Charles Metcalfe, urges New Zealand wineries to enter the Challenge.

“I spent three days judging New Zealand wines with a top team of judges at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards. I hope the awards we gave will be a huge help to wineries marketing their wines in New Zealand.

“But I am convinced that outside of New Zealand, a winery needs awards from a competition that judges wines from all over the wine world. And the International Wine Challenge is undoubtedly the most carefully-judged and widely-promoted international wine competition there is.'

The New Zealand dollar remains strong against the pound, which means the cost of entry at £93 (NZ$183) into the Challenge is lower than normal. The Challenge can also arrange your shipping, duty and paperwork from Geodis, Auckland to London for just £35 ($69) per entry.

You have until 17th February to submit your entry online and get the wines to the Auckland depot.