Expert winemakers and judges from across Australia are in Bathurst with the job of deciding the best cool climate wines.

National Cool Climate Wine Show chair Tim Knappstein said the event has a reputation of being “a pretty tough show” on the wine judging circuit, but did admit things are looking good for entries this year.

“We’ve already got six gold medals and it’s not even lunch time yet,” he said on the first day of judging.

Three of those medals went to sauvignon blancs, the other three to Rieslings.

Despite the tough reputation of the event, Mr Knappstein said entry numbers are consistent with those received in 2015.

“It’s a very good sign because a lot of the smaller shows have dropped off,” he said.

Mr Knappstein said the show can be a good learning tool for winemakers, that is if “they take the right message away”.

“Often it’s [the message] is my wine isn’t as good as I thought it was,” he said.

Judging is of a national standard and conducted in two panels of three judges with every wine tried three times. Judges then come together to discuss what the wine’s final score will be.

The hugely popular public tasting event is back as part of this year’s National Cool Climate Wine Show and will be held this Friday from 6-9pm at Bathurst Showground.

Last year’s public tasting event attracted a record-breaking crowd of 320 people, with organisers hopeful this month’s event will be just as well attended.

“There’s all these wines and you have the opportunity to try them,” wine show chair Mark Renzaglia said. “It’s still one of Bathurst’s best kept secrets.”

On the night, people are encouraged to compare the flavours across the many regions that entered and assess the different techniques used by winemakers.

Free tasting tours will be conducted by winemakers on the night. There will also be complimentary nibbles and live music.

Ticket are $35 and can be purchased at the door on the night, however people are encouraged to pre-book through the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre.