The judges are entering the results straight into their ipads.

It’s all a part of the committees “progressive improvement process”. 

International judge, wine blogger and author Matt Walls says while the technology helps streamline the process, judging wine is all about “experience and being able to concentrate”. 

And, you never know it all, he says.

Wise words for such a young man, who armed with a degree in French Literature and an interest wine, spent a year living in France and then began his career selling beer in a liquor store.

“In France it was not unusual for young people to be interested in food and wine but back then in the UK the food and wine culture was still yet to develop,” he explains.

Now with 15 years of experience in the industry, the successful author of ‘Drink Me’, is regularly invited to judge international wine competitions. 

A task he never tires of as the “wine world never stands still”.

“I love it more than ever, the more you taste the more you discover – it’s a cycle,” Matt says.

This is the first show he has judged in Australia and Matt is impressed with the “dynamism” on display.

“So far here in the Hunter Valley it’s good to see people are open to experimentation, looking to improve and push the boundaries compared to the old world regions who are happy to rest on their laurels,” he says.

“There are some variety’s I didn’t even know were grown in the area and some blends you never see in the UK.”

He says so far the aged Semillon and Shiraz have been impressive.

“We  love Aussie wines in the UK and would love to be able to get out hands on more of them.” 

The winner will be announced on at the celebration luncheon on Friday at Crown Plaza.