The Tri Nations Wine Challenge was founded in 2003 by Judith Kennedy, the Chief Executive of the Association of Australian Boutique Winemakers Inc.

Based on a suggestion from Rugby legend Tiaan Strauss Kennedy invited James Halliday to Chair the first year’s awards. Strauss is an importer of South African wines and he and Kennedy agreed that competition between the three countries could stimulate interest in new wines to the Sydney market while also fostering friendly rivalry between the three wine producing countries.

Halliday was joined by Master of Wine Bob Campbell to represent New Zealand and Michael Fridjhon of South Africa thus making up a team of highly experienced judges.

The three judges choose seven wines in each of fifteen categories making 315 wines in total to be judged.  The wines are considered to be the best in their class as each judge is attempting to win the most categories for their country.

In 2005 Robert Joseph (internationally recognised wine judge and wine journalist based in London) was invited to become the fourth member of the panel and to act as Chairman.

The breadth of experience in the judging team is such that this wine challenge is now recognised internationally as a leading show.

All wines invited to enter the show receive a certificate in recognition of their participation.