By Deborah Jackson, editor National Liquor News
Wolf Blass has been named International Winery of the Year at the 35th annual San Francisco International Wine Competition, taking out the Tasting Panel Magazine Winery of the Year award.
Wolf Blass is the first Australian winery to win achieve this accolade in more than 15 years and the second Australian winery in history to take out the title. The award recognises the single winery earning the most points, measured by the number and levels of awards won.
The San Francisco International Wine Competition is the largest and most influential international wine competition in the US and is judged by a panel of more than 50 international wine experts over three days.
Wolf Blass was also named Australian Winery of the Year and received two double gold medals, seven gold medals and Wolf Blass Grey Label Cabernet Shiraz 2012 was named, Best Cabernet Shiraz of show.
Chris Hatcher, Wolf Blass chief winemaker is elated with the result.
"Being names International Winery of the Year in the world’s largest wine market is exciting and is particularly pleasing given this is only the second time an Australian winery has won the award in 35 years of competition. The entire Wolf Blass team is proud to receive such an accolade at Americas’ most respected wine competition,” he said.
Calabria Family Wines also impressed judges bringing home seven gold and four silver medals.
2015 Top Award Winners Australia and New Zealand
The Tasting Panel Magazine Winery of the Year
Wolf Blass Wines, Barossa Valley, SA
Best in Show White – Best Riesling
Framingham Wine 2013 Riesling, Marlborough, NZ
Best Sparkling Rosé
Sophora NV Sparkling Rosé, Gisborne/Hawke’s Bay, NZ
Best Sauvignon Blanc
Toi Toi Wines 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ
Best Gewürztraminer
Spy Valley Wines 2013 Gewürztraminer, Marlborough, NZ
Best Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz
Wolf Blass Wines 2012 Shiraz/Cabernet, Grey Label, Langhorne Creek, Australia
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