Bottle Shock, the innovative “gamified” wine bar in the Adelaide Hills, has thrown down the gauntlet to find South Australia’s best wine taster, launching its biggest competition ever: Bottle Shock’s $5k Big Blind. The four-month-long game of skill will challenge palates across three elimination rounds, with a $5,000 cash prize for the eventual winner.

The competition will be launched via an exclusive invitation drop, with 50,000 flyers delivered to homes and businesses across Adelaide. These flyers serve as a free entry pass, inviting recipients to take on the first challenge: tasting a single, classic South Australian variety blind and correctly identifying it. Entry for those who hear by word of mouth is also available for a $5 fee.

“We wanted to take the fun of our YouTube channel and challenge the community to do it better than us, but also bring people together,” said Simon Dacey, Head Sommelier at Bottle Shock.

“In a tough market, we think it’s important to make some positive noise. This is for any enthusiastic amateur out there just as much as it is for the seasoned sommeliers who have dedicated their lives to the craft—we’re excited to see them compete side-by-side. When it comes to blind tasting, even the most novice taster has a chance at winning.

“Successful contestants from the first round will advance to Round Two in November, which is an “Options Game”. The competition culminates in a live, in-person Grand Final on Saturday, December 13.

The final, where the wines may include some intentional “curveballs,” will be open to the public to watch and will be live-streamed on the Bottle Shock YouTube channel. During this round, competitors will be eliminated with each incorrect answer until only one taster remains.

Round One will run from September 4 to November 2 during Bottle Shock’s normal opening hours, 12 pm to 6 pm, Thursday to Sunday. All participants must be South Australian residents, aged 18 years or older, and present valid photographic ID. Finalists must be available for the final round on December 13, as this date cannot be rescheduled. Full terms and conditions are available on the Bottle Shock website

WHERE: 24 Victoria Street, Gumeracha