Tasmanian wine industry toasts global awards recognition, Ed Carr in running for top winemaker

Tasmania has cleaned up at the “Oscars of the wine industry”, with multiple local producers winning top accolades at the 40th annual International Wine Challenge. The results >>

House of Arras chief winemaker Ed Carr has been shortlisted for the International Wine Challenge’s world winemaker of the year. Picture: Supplied

Tasmania has cleaned up at the “Oscars of the wine industry”, with multiple local producers winning top accolades at the 40th annual International Wine Challenge.

Trophy awards for exceptional quality were bestowed upon the House of Arras Blanc de Blancs sparkling (2014), the Dawson James Pinot Noir (2021), and the Collina Chardonnay (2022) made by Stefano Lubiana.

Gold medals for wines scoring above 94 points were also won by Tolpuddle Vineyard’s Chardonnay (2022), the E.J Carr Late Disgorged (2006) from House of Arras, and Resolution Riesling (2022) from Devil’s Corner.

Wine Tasmania CEO Sheralee Davies. Picture: Chris Kidd

Wine Tasmania chief executive Sheralee Davies said the IWC was a highly regarded wine-judging event, which received thousands of global entries each year.

Ms Davies said international recognition for individual winemakers boosted the entire industry in Tasmania, building the island’s reputation for premium wines and driving tourism to the state’s cellar doors.

“It is a significant achievement for Tasmanian wines to have received a range of trophies and medals in this year’s show,” she said.

“It helps to reinforce Tassie’s reputation for the highest-quality wines and drives interest in the island from wine buyers, wine lovers, and wine tourists.”

In addition to its major trophy, the House of Arras celebrated its chief winemaker Ed Carr being named one of two finalists for the IWC Sparkling Winemaker of the Year.

The winner will be announced at the IWC Awards Dinner in London on 9 July.

“It’s incredible to be recognised as one of two finalists for Sparkling Winemaker of the Year alongside Emilien Boutillat from Piper-Heidsieck,” Mr Carr said.

“The IWC is one of the most respected wine shows in the world, and to be shortlisted by my peers in the industry is such an honour.”

Steve Lubiana and wife Monique at their Granton winery with dog, Jaffa. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

Winemaker Steve Lubiana said he was thrilled that his Granton-based business had been recognised by the IWC, adding that global accolades for individual Tasmanian products reflected well on the whole state.

“It just reinforces the fact that the wine we make here is as good as, or better than, than any wines in Australia or the world,” Mr Lubiana.

“That’s why our family came here in 1990, because it’s the best place to grow grapes in the country.”

Ms Davies said Wine Tasmania welcomed a three-year, $3 million State Government commitment to fund Tasmania-specific wine research, and a focus on maintaining the industry’s quality output.

Premier and Minister for Trade, Jeremy Rockliff, said the Tasmanian wine sector was a significant contributor to the state’s economy, and a key focus of its trade and tourism strategies.

Mr Rockliff said the Government was helping Tasmanian winemakers take their products to the world through targeted trade missions, and had backed seven wineries to participate in events in the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore over coming years.

Minister for Primary Industries, Jane Howlett, said her department was working with Wine Tasmania on industry workforce development, and to create a specialist cool-climate wine research hub.

“The Tasmanian Government is working collaboratively with the agriculture sector to provide support for front-line agriculture workers,” Ms Howlett said.

Originally published as Tasmanian wine industry toasts global awards recognition, Ed Carr in running for top winemaker