The 19^th annual show attracted 802 entries from across Australia, with many from some of the country’s top winemakers.

The 2016 chardonnay class has been one of the most successful so far, with five gold medals and 11 silver awarded.

Guest judge Greer Carland, from Laurel Bank Wines in Tasmania, has completed two of the three days of judging the best of the best in cool climate wines.

There are two judging panels this year, with three judges in each, along with two associate judges.

“It helps to keep you palate current. It is very important in our profession and this is just about the cheapest professional development you can get your hands on,” Ms Carland said.

“It helps keep your ideas [on wine] current.”

Ms Carland said she was impressed with Rieslings and shiraz entered in the competition.

“There’s strong performers in every class,” she said.

“Good producers make good wines regardless of the year.”

Chairman of the judges at the show, Tim Knappstein, said the show attracts top winemakers from across the country to act as judges.

“They [the judges] have to make a decision on each one and they have to have a mental standard,” he said.

“It’s a job that requires immense concentration.”

The community is invited along to the wine show public tasting from 6-9pm this Friday at Bathurst Showground.

Entry is $40 and this includes wine tasting of all entries from the show, as well as nibbles and live music.

Tickets can be purchased online from the National Cool Climate Wine Show at www.coolwines.com.au.

Limited tickets will be available at the door on the night.