The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) has announced its 48 trophy winners for 2024, with Australia receiving five for wine and one for gin. Top performers included Campbells Wines, Coward & Black Vineyards, Dandelion Vineyards, Deep Woods Estate, Edenvale, and Naught Distilling.
The IWSC has been running since 1969, and the 2024 edition brought 100 international judges together to review over 7000 wine and 4000 spirit entries. Australian producers had over 245 spirits awarded – including 25 gold medals, as well as two Outstanding Golds. Over 900 wines and alternative drinks were awarded, receiving 19 and 7 gold medals respectively.
After a retasting of all the 2024 gold-winning beverages, the IWSC has awarded the best of the best in each category, offering 24 spirits trophies, 24 wine trophies, and 4 alternative drinks awards.
Gin was the biggest category in 2024 with over 760 medals, including 50 golds. Two gin trophies were awarded this year, with Melbourne’s Naught Distilling achieving the classic gin trophy for its Overproof Gin. This was the only spirits trophy awarded to an Australian product, an incredible achievement for the brand.
The IWSC judges described it as having “enticing aromas of vanilla and pepper, a smooth and integrated palate filled with berry fruits with balanced spice giving complexity, and a gentle giant of a length.”
Australia led the pack for wine, receiving four of the 24 traditional awards. Margaret River wineries, Coward & Black Vineyards and Deep Woods Estate, won for The Black Prince Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, and Reserve Chardonnay 2020 respectively. South Australian Dandelion Vineyards’ Firehawk Shiraz 2022 and Victorian Campbells Wines’ Merchant Prince Rare Muscat NV also shone for the IWSC judges.
Alcohol-removed wine brand, Edenvale, received the Low & No Wine Trophy, added only last year to the IWSC line-up. Its Premium Reserve Sparkling Shiraz NV took home the trophy, after also winning Best Wine at the 2024 World Alcohol Free Awards.
The judges described it as having “aromas of red berries and vanilla and an underlying note of liquorice and coffee, followed by a luxurious palate bursting with luscious dark fruits, with a touch of spice and velvety texture.”
Edenvale’s founder, Michael Bright, said the company was delighted to receive its second trophy this year.
“Our commitment to innovation and exceptional quality continues to drive us, as we strive to further elevate the alcohol-removed category and set new standards in the industry. The award is a true testament to the team’s hard work and passion,” he said.
Food & Drink Business also spoke to Bright earlier this year about the company’s new $5 million processing facility and the dealcoholisation technology Edenvale uses.
