Gargling, slurping and spitting are all part of the theatre involved in uncovering a top drop of wine.
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More than 4000 bottles have landed at Murrumbateman Winery as organisers prepare for a week of expert tastings beginning on Monday and the 2014 Australian Cool Climate Wine Show next weekend.
Show founder Virginia Rawling said this year's field of entrants was the biggest in the show's 15-year history.
"We have close to 600 entries from 98 separate wineries," she said.
Vignerons from Barton Estate, Gallagher Wines, Gundog Estate, Helm Wines, Quarry Hill Wines, Yarrh Wines, Shaw Vineyard Estate and Lerida Estate are exhibiting and competing against wines from cold climate regions across Australia.
Ms Rawling, a self-confessed wine-quaffer, said she didn't envy the demanding task ahead of the three expert judges.
"They will taste up to 150 each day for five consecutive days," she said. "Maintaining such a discerning palate throughout takes years of training."
Chief steward Duncan Leslie oversees the pouring of every glass to make sure strict protocols are followed.
Bottles are hidden from view, ensuring no bias, and the expert judges are positioned behind a screen so as not to influence each other.
"We are not even allowed to wear aftershave as that might interfere with the aroma," Mr Leslie said.
Dishwashers are employed around the clock to deal with the thousands of glasses needed, which are air-dried to remove any contamination or residual flavours.
For competing wineries the show is a serious industry event.
Winners will be toasted at an awards presentation cocktail event on Friday.
A public tasting on Saturday will lure true wine buffs, and mere bluffs, along to sample some the best of the current Australian vintages.
Mrs Rawling said cool climate wines had a strong reputation in the industry for their complex flavours, structure and balance.
"Basically it's the slow ripening and the longer growing season, the warm days and cool nights intensify the flavour," she said.
Those new to the techniques of tasting can also ask stewards for advice.
"Some that come are keen and taste and spit, taste and spit all afternoon, but really it's about discovering sensational tastes and experimenting with varietals you have never tried," she said.
The family friendly licensed public tasting event will have food served all day, with tea, coffee and biscuits provided to designated drivers.
* Tickets: $50 per person for awards presentation night from 6.30pm on Friday. Public tastings cost $15, from 11am-4pm on Saturday. Bookings essential. Contact 6227 0358 or accws1@bigpond.com.