Now in its second year, the Southern Highlands Regional Wine Show is continuing to grow as a significant local wine event, with the 100 wines in this year's show a record number of entries.

Featuring only vintages from local wineries, the show includes 11 classes of wine across the main red and white varieties, with awards given for Best Red, Best White and Best Wine of Show.

The prestigious judging panel included Master of Wine and chairman of judges Rob Geddes, one of only 14 Masters in Australia; wine show judge and journalist Felicity Carter, and professional wine show judge Alison Eiserman, who is also working towards her Master of Wine.

The panel will judge the wines based on their cool climate wine attributes, with judges looking for wines with more elegance, complexity and delicate fruit flavour in keeping with the wine region.

Mark Bourne from the Southern Highlands Vigneron's Association, which organised the event, said the show was a great opportunity for local wineries to promote their latest vintage.

"With many local wineries releasing their 2005 white wines this month, the show is a great chance for wineries to showcase their new vintage," he said.

"With 100 different wines from all our local producers, the number of entries demonstrates the growth of the wine industry in the local area."

An exhibitor and trade tasting show will also take place today as part of the show for the first time this year, with local restaurants and hoteliers invited to come along and taste the local wines.

The winners of the Southern Highlands Regional Wine Show will be announced at a dinner at Centennial Wines tonight, with the four-course meal designed to match with the winning wines.

"The dinner will be a real showcase of the local food and local wine on offer in the Southern Highlands," Mr Bourne said.