Celebrating 200 Years of the Sydney Royal Wine Show

Since 1826, when wine was first included in the Agricultural Society of NSW Show, there has been a commitment to advancing excellence in wine quality. With a panel of esteemed judges and some of the finest palates in the country assessing almost 2000 entries each year, a win at the Sydney Royal Wine Show is the ultimate mark of quality. It recognises brands established for decades, some of which have supported the show for over a century, as well as shining a light on emerging producers who may not yet have hit the radar.

Why it matters

Over two centuries, wine styles have changed and so has the show. Honouring tradition whilst embracing innovation, the Sydney Royal Wine Show continues to evolve alongside shifting consumer tastes – championing excellence, expanding what we celebrate, and bringing the industry together to keep wine relevant

 

2026 Sydney Royal Wine Show

As Australia’s oldest wine show, the Sydney Royal Wine Show has never rested on its laurels. For two centuries, it has helped raise the quality of Australian wine as styles and tastes have evolved. With some of Australia’s leading wine professionals evaluating every entry, a Sydney Royal medal remains a genuine mark of quality.

In 2026, the Sydney Royal Wine Show marked 200 years since wine was first included in the Agricultural Society of NSW Show. Judging took place from 27–30 July, bringing together leading wine professionals to assess entries from producers across Australia.

The 2026 Sydney Royal Wine Show results will be announced on 21 August.

Learn more   

Stories of 200 Years

Sydney Royal 200: The Wine Show Conversation

Sydney Royal 200: The Wine Show Conversation

To mark the bicentenary, the Sydney Royal Wine Show hosted an industry symposium—Sydney Royal 200: The Wine Show Conversation—immediately following judging on 31 July 2026.

The event brought together 200 wine professionals to explore the Show’s history, understand how it operates and hear experienced judges reflect on its past, present and future.

Starting point - History of the Sydney Royal Wine Show at a Glance

The history of the Sydney Royal Wine Show is, in many ways, the history of Australian wine. Here are the moments that shaped both.

1822
2026
Agricultural Society of NSW founded

1822

Agricultural Society of NSW founded

"We are just in the latitude of the finest parts of Europe where the vine, the olive, the fig and the mulberry grow…"

First award for Australian wine

1823

First award for Australian wine

Gregory Blaxland receives a medal in London for the best sample of Australian wine, the first such award ever given to an Australian.  

First Sydney Royal Wine Competition held

1826

First Sydney Royal Wine Competition held

A gold medal is offered for the best sample of Colonial Wine, not less than 10 gallons, certified on oath from the vintage of that year.

Wine celebrated at the annual meeting

1828

Wine celebrated at the annual meeting

"Exhibitions of wool, wines, tobacco and other produce drew forth the encomiums of all present." Wine was already a point of pride.

James Busby transforms viticulture

1832

James Busby transforms viticulture

Busby returns from France, Spain and Germany with a collection of cuttings from the most celebrated vineyards in Europe. NSW wine takes off.

Sydney Royal Wine Show fully established

1869

Sydney Royal Wine Show fully established

The oldest catalogue held by the RAS Heritage Centre shows a well-established wine section. The show has run every year since, except during war and influenza.

NSW wines classified as grand vins at Bordeaux

1882

NSW wines classified as grand vins at Bordeaux

The highest recognition in the world’s most demanding wine culture.

Royal prefix added

1891

Royal prefix added

The Society becomes the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW.

Wine Kiosk built

1901

Wine Kiosk built

One of the first permanent structures at the Moore Park Showground. Wine had earned its building.

Dedicated Wine Show established

1947

Dedicated Wine Show established

Following WWII, a separate February Wine Show is created, the first-time wine has its own independent competition.

McCarthy Shield Perpetual Trophy first awarded

1951

McCarthy Shield Perpetual Trophy first awarded

The show’s longest-running perpetual trophy, still awarded today.

Gold, silver and bronze medals awarded

1961

Gold, silver and bronze medals awarded

The previous standard was 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

Show renamed Sydney Royal Wine Show

1993

Show renamed Sydney Royal Wine Show

The name it carries today.

100-point scoring system introduced

2013

100-point scoring system introduced

After being trialled with four classes in 2012, the 100-point scoring system was adopted, replacing scoring out of 20.

Grape, Grain & Graze consumer tasting festival launches

2018

Grape, Grain & Graze consumer tasting festival launches

The public festival brings medal-winning producers and consumers together for the first time.

200th anniversary

2026

200th anniversary

The Sydney Royal Wine Show marked 200 years since wine was first included in the Agricultural Society of NSW Show. A new judging immersion program was also launched as part of the bicentenary celebrations.

$275,000 Awarded in Wine Scholarships

$275,000 Awarded in Wine Scholarships

We are proud to support the wine community through the Sydney Royal Wine Show Scholarships. Our scholarships help wine professionals advance their education and training. Find out more about what's on offer.

Sydney Royal Wine Scholarships

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