THE "most important wine show in the country" is back in Mildura for its 20th annual event.

Judging for the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show began on Friday with 752 wines from across the country being tasted.

Show manager Helen Healy said the event usually consisted of an awards long lunch, a talk and taste, judging and a public tasting.

"Sadly, for the second time in a row, we've ha...