Aussie producers are celebrating taking home substantial titles from the 2026 International Wine Challenge. Image supplied
Aussie wine producers Penfolds, Tolpuddle Vineyard and MMAD Vineyard are celebrating big wins at the International Wine Challenge (IWC).
The Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 was awarded both the trophy for Australian Cabernet Sauvignon and the International Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy. Penfolds explained that these awards are among the competition’s most prestigious accolades.
Moreover, the Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay 2023 and Bin 311 Chardonnay 2024 both earned gold medals with 95 points.
“These results underscore the fantastic teamwork within our winemaking team and our shared commitment to crafting wines of distinction in the distinctive Penfolds House Style,” said Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago.
The Tolpuddle Vineyard Chardonnay took home the Australian White Trophy and the Tasmanian Chardonnay Trophy with a score of 96 points.
The judges described the wine as “refined with great energy and focus”.
Tolepuddle Vineyard said this marks the second consecutive year the Chardonnay has claimed the Australian White Trophy, following an “extraordinary result in 2025” when the wine was also awarded Champion White Wine – the highest accolade for white wine in the competition.
The same Chardonnay has previously won Best Australian Chardonnay and the International Chardonnay Trophy at the IWC, while the Tolpuddle Vineyard Pinot Noir received the Australian Red Trophy in 2021.
Martin Shaw and Michael Hill-Smith AM MW, founders of Tolpuddle Vineyard, said that the business continues to be one of the most rewarding projects of their lives.
“To see these wines consistently recognised at the International Wine Challenge is incredibly gratifying and a true testament to the dedication of our team, led by chief winemaker Adam Wadewitz. Australian wine has never been stronger, and Tasmanian wine is an important part of that story,” they said.
The MMAD Vineyard also had reason to celebrate, with its 2024 Grenache awarded the trophy for Best Australia Grenache and scoring 96 points.
The judges praised the evolution of modern Grenache styles.
“The Grenache revival continues. This has fragrant red fruits, crushed raspberries and strawberries with a flecking of sweet biscuit, plus a dash of herb leaf, and tannins that are classy and mouthwatering,” the judges said.
Adam Wadewitz, founder and chief winemaker, said “we were drawn to MMAD Vineyard from the very beginning because we recognised its extraordinary potential in this unique pocket of Blewitt Springs – particularly for old vine Grenache.”
“From day one, our goal has been to be thoughtful custodians of this special vineyard: to care for these rare old vines and craft a modern expression of Grenache – site driven, fresh and vibrant. To now see these wines recognised internationally is incredibly rewarding,” he said.
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