International Cool Climate Wine Show 2025
Chair of Judges
Steven Paul
Steve is the General Manager/Director of Oakdene Wines, based on the Bellarine Peninsula, in the Geelong Region. Steve is Business Graduate (Bachelor Business/Marketing), a graduate of the Australian Wine Research Institute’s Advanced Wine Assessment course, completed the Wine Spirit Education Trust’s (UK) Advanced Certificate, Wine Australia Future Leader and Len Evans Tutorial Scholar.
Steve has contributed to the Australian Wine Show System as a judge for many years, including the Melbourne Royal, Sydney Royal, Hunter Valley, McLaren Vale, Margaret River, Rutherglen, Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Heathcote Wine Shows.
Steve is a past President of the Geelong Wine Growers Association, and current Committee Chair of the Geelong Wine Show.
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We are thrilled to welcome Steven back to the International Cool Climate Wine Show, this time as our Chair of Judges.
Rohan Smith
Judging Consultant
Rohan has a passion for soil and vines and making wine that is reflective of the site from which it comes and has a strong belief that we are custodians of the land that we farm, to ensure sustainability for now and generations to come.
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To him, having perfect fruit from the vineyard is the cornerstone of a producing wines of purity, structure and balance. Following a successful career as a classical musician and in the music industry, Rohan turned his attention to his love for wine, winemaking and working the dirt.
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To drive this passion, he relocated to the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, undertaking a Bachelor of Wine Science through Charles Sturt University (graduating as Dux with a University Medal) and has worked for an array of vineyards and wineries across the Peninsula including Elgee Park, Merricks Estate, Foxeys Hangout and as winemaker at Handpicked wines, before taking his particular passion for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay North to join Medhurst Wines in the Yarra Valley as Chief Winemaker.
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We were thrilled to have Rohan as our Chair of Judges in 2024. Due to other commitments, he was not able to take on the role this year, however has agreed to take on the role of "Judging Consultant". Rohan has been a judge at numerous wine shows such Melbourne Royal Wine Awards, Yarra Valley, Gippsland and Macedon Wine shows as well as being involved with The Australian Pinot Noir Challenge. He is also a member of the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards committee.