Mr Ramsay told the Times yesterday there had been more than 140 entries this year which he said was a "bit up" on last year.

As has been the case in previous years, entries have been particular strong in the Shiraz and Chambourchin classes in the reds and the Chardonnay in the whites.

However entries cover all classes and are fairly evenly spread from across the South Coast Zone, primarily from the Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven Coast.

Members of the South Coast Wine Show committee spent several hours on Monday evening collating the entries in preparations for judging next Friday (January 23).

The judging will be carried out at the CWA hall in Milton by some of Australia's most recognised judges including David Morris of Morris Wines in Rutherglen, David Lowe and Mandy Jones.

Judging will commence at 8am and is expected to last for most of the day.

Entries will then be transported to the Milton Show ground pavilion for tasting on Saturday, January 24.

Tasting for exhibitors will be between 4pm and 6pm - providing them with the opportunity to discuss their entries with the judges - followed by members of the public between 6pm and 8pm.

Entry to the public tasting will be $15 with wine and finger food included.

This year's wine show will climax on the night of February 6 with the presentation of trophies and meal certificates at the Vineyard Kitchen at Cuppitt's Winery, Ulladulla.

Last year judges awarded nine gold, 17 silver and 45 bronze medals.

Mr Ramsay said the number of entries in last year's show had been affected by a severe frost event in the Southern Highlands.

He said there had been a "minor frost incident" in recent months in the Kangaroo Valley area but thankfully it failed to have a major impact.