The International Wine Challenge has announced the results of its 2024 competition, marking its 40th year.
Medals were awarded to 38 winemaking countries following a blind-tasting by an international panel of experts last month.
While France, Australia and Spain remained top of the medal table, New Zealand also proved its dominance on the international scene, claiming two out of seven of the International Varietal Trophies.
Hawke’s Bay winery Church Road picked up Best International Chardonnay for its 2021 Grand Reserve Chardonnay; and the International Syrah Trophy was won by Kennedy Point Vineyard with its 2021 Syrah.
New Zealand wineries were also awarded a total of 254 medals.
Church Road Chief Winemaker, Chris Scott, said the team is thrilled and very proud – not only for Church Road, but for New Zealand – to be crowned top International Chardonnay at the IWC.
“This is the second time in three years that a Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay has taken this Trophy, which is a huge achievement for the region,” he says.
“The overall quality of Chardonnay coming out of this little corner of the world is incredibly exciting.”
Randal Peart, Winemaker at Kennedy Point on Waiheke Island, said he is exceptionally proud to have their wine recognised on the global stage.
“Those in the industry work tirelessly to grow and make great wine and it can be a thankless job.
“I’m really happy to top the field again and I’m also thrilled that a certified organic wine has won this prestigious award. We’ll have a little celebration and get back to pruning tomorrow.”
The full list of medal and trophy winners in the 2024 International Wine Challenge can be viewed here.
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