It's a star-studded 10th anniversary International Chardonnay Challenge that got under way in Gisborne this morning.

Judges, critics, wine writers, wine makers, and of course the wines, all share centre stage for an event that is well and truly an international celebration of one of the world's most toasted wines.

Around 40% of entries this year have come from offshore, from such far flung shores as Turkey, South Africa, Italy and France, to be matched against the best from Australia and New Zealand.

Event organiser Prue Younger says it has been a fantastic response to the event in some rather challenging times for wineries all over the world.

"I think it underlines too, just how paramount chardonnay still is internationally," she says.

She's put together a stellar line-up for the event, including judges from the past decade, wine writers and included some special new twists for all to enjoy.

Friday's Chardonnay Forum includes video interviews from top UK wine writer Jamie Goode and industry leaders, alongside experts from New Zealand.

Judging runs Wednesday and Thursday, under the watchful eye of chairperson of judges Jane Skilton, who has been involved with nearly all the challenges. Her nine-strong panel includes chairs from years gone by, including Mike DeGaris (Australia) and Larry McKenna, with the others true leaders in their fields on both sides of the Tasman.

Friday night's Gala Awards Dinner is the pinnacle of the three-day event where the best of the best receive trophies, and the top wine of the challenge is unveiled. MC John Hawkesby, himself a keen aficionado of wine, will guide proceedings.

Throughout the week the best of Gisborne is on show. Viticulture students from Tairawhiti Polytechnic have the chance to steward for the competition, which is always an exciting highlight on their scholastic calendar.

Local restaurants also get very involved, with peripheral events and plenty of support.

"It's fitting to have the International Chardonnay Challenge in Gisborne," says Ms Younger. "Some of the nation's best chardonnays come from grapes grown right here."

Tickets to some of the events are still available. For more information head to www.internationalchardonnaychallenge.co.nz .