Organiser Wendy Batey said the annual event, held on Saturday, had attracted about twice as many people as last year.

“It was an absolutely massive success,” she said.

“We had a series of community music groups playing, which was fantastic.

“And the weather was great; the bit of rain we had in the morning settled the dust.”

The awards presented at the event were judged by the public.

Brown Brother’s 2006 Patricia Noble Riesling took the prize for the best wine made by a large winemaker.

The best wine made by a small producer was Rosehill Estate’s 2006 Merlot.

And the inaugural Guy Darling trophy was awarded to Moyhu Wine Company’s 2002 Merlot.

The award, in memory of Mr Darling who passed away last month, is given to the best wine produced in 2003 or earlier.

Ms Batey said Mr Darling was the first person to grow winegrapes in the King Valley in 1970.

There were now 80 growers.