The vineyard has a strong tradition at the show; this year their 2008 Shiraz earning the Greg Johnston Award for Best Local Red Wine of the Show and a Gold Medal.

Swinging Bridge also picked up two silvers (2009 Shiraz and 2010 Rose) and two bronze medals (2008 Chardonnay and 2010 Sauvignon Blanc)

Other Canowindra vineyards to perform well last week were Gardners Ground (two bronzes, 2008 Block 5 Shiraz and 2008 Shiraz); Rosnay (one silver and two bronze medals for the 2008 Shiraz, 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2008 Triple Blend Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot), and Falls Wines (bronze for their 2005 Shiraz Cabernet).

Best Local White Wine went to Mulyan Wines for their 2006 Block 7 Chardonnay.

More than 800 people descended upon the Cowra Showground pavilion on Saturday night for the show’s

public tasting, putting their judging skills to the test.

What others say about Swinging Bridge’s 2008 Shiraz:

Wine writer Winsor Dobbin: "This was one of my favourite wines from a recent trip to Canowindra and Orange in the Central West of NSW - and it's all the more meritorious because it follows in the footsteps of the much-awarded 2007 shiraz, which is all but sold out. Winemakers Chris Derrez and Tom Ward have got it right again with a wine that has excellent complexity but is also very easy to drink. Dark berries and spice characters are prominent and this has already won a gold medal at the Royal Sydney Wine Show. Excellent value..."