Following a successful Global Judging in Margaret River in 2023, the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) is once again returning to Western Australia to conduct its wine judging, in partnership with the Margaret River Wine Association and Wines of Western Australia.
Last year’s judges spoke of the high quality of the Margaret River entries, noting that “the bar had been raised very high”. Following the 2023 judging session, 24 gold medals and four trophies were awarded at the IWSC awards in London. Two Margaret River wineries were awarded Producer Trophies, with Cherubino Wines winning the Outstanding Wine Producer of the Year Trophy, and Cape Mentelle winning the Old Vine Trophy.
This year, Global Judging will be open to all wines from all regions of Western Australia.
IWSC’s CEO, Christelle Guibert, looks forward to returning to Margaret River.
“Following the huge success of last year’s Global Judging in Margaret River, we are delighted to once again be shining the spotlight on this award-winning boutique wine region. Our expert judges, that made up last year’s panel, were very impressed by the quality of Margaret River wines that they judged, the wines showed complexity and represented a variety of styles while maintaining a distinctive regional character. We look forward to showcasing even more wines as this year we open up the judging to all Western Australian wines,” she said.
Margaret River Wine Association CEO, Amanda Whiteland, hopes that the judging will continue to improve international awareness of Margaret River.
“Having one of the world’s most highly regarded international wine competitions coming to Margaret River last year provided great exposure for the region’s wines, culture and geography. We believe that bringing retailers, sommeliers and media to the region is the best way to give them a comprehensive understanding and lasting impression of our wines,” she said.
Producers submitting wines for judging will benefit from a more convenient location and the opportunity to bring their wines to the global stage. Additionally, entrants will receive a discounted entry fee by selecting “Wine Judging in Margaret River” as the judging location in the entry process, as well as inclusion in the IWSC’s 2024 communication campaigns and free entry IWSC’s Green Wine Initiative and Old Wine Trophies.
Entries are now open, and close on 7 May.