The Winewise tasting panel with one exception is based in Canberra, Australia, and consists of:

Lester Jesberg, founding Editor of Winewise, wine educator and importer, and judge at several wine shows including Canberra (local and National) and Sydney;

Doug Mackenzie, geologist, specialist in terroir, consultant and researcher on vineyard soils;

Andrew McEwin, winemaker and proprietor of Kyeema Wines;

Fred Schilling, Sydney resident, patent attorney, and expert on the wines of Burgundy;

Len Sorbello, lawyer, wine enthusiast, and very experienced taster;

Phil Trickett, demographer, wine enthusiast, very experienced and sensitive palate.

The diverse membership of the tasting panel gives Winewise a big advantage over other Australian wine publications: a broad range of experience, palate sensitivities, likes and dislikes. This results in a group (or "consensus") rating of wines that has over the years of its existence earned a high level of credibility with, and loyalty from, its subscribers.

One issue of Winewise per year, in April, is devoted to a full report on the results of the Winewise Small Vigneron Awards. The "SVA" is conducted for the benefit of the small, "boutique" wineries that process less than 250 tonnes of grapes for their own use. James Halliday, well-known winemaker and wine writer, is a regular member of the judging panel, along with other leading wine industry people and the Winewise tasting panel.

Guest judges have included Brian Croser (vineyard and winery proprietor, winemaker & vigneron), James Halliday (wine writer), Huon Hooke (wine writer, The Sydney Morning Herald), Peter Cowley (winemaker at Te Mata Estate, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand), and several other winemakers. About 1000 entries from Australia and New Zealand were judged. Judges in previous years have included Bob Campbell, MW, from New Zealand, Brian Crozer (Petaluma), Ian McKenzie (Southcorp Wines), and Philip Shaw (Rosemount Estates; now Southcorp Wines).