Australia Leads HK IWSC 2024 Awards

Australia emerged as the biggest winner at the recently concluded 16th Cathay Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition (HK IWSC), claiming an impressive 10 of the 54 coveted trophies awarded. These trophies, reserved for the finest gold medalists, underscore the fierce competition that defines one of Asia’s most prestigious wine and spirits events.

The awards ceremony, which took place during the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair in November, was attended by consuls and trade commissioners from nations such as Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Spain, and the United Kingdom, underscored the competition’s international prestige. 

This year, a total of 54 trophies were handed out to the best of the best out of over 750 medal winners across wine, spirits, and beer categories. As Asia’s original wine and spirits competition, the Cathay HK IWSC has been a benchmark of excellence for 16 years, led by Master of Wine Debra Meiburg.

The 2024 judging panel featured 56 experts from across Asia, reflecting the region’s diversity and depth of expertise. Among the esteemed judges were Fongyee Walker, the first Master of Wine based in China; sommeliers Wataru Iwata from Japan, Lim Jee Hean from Singapore, and Hoang Khanh Vi Le from Vietnam; Junwen Chen, Business Director at Brown-Forman Taiwan; and influential figures from Thailand, Malaysia, Macau, and beyond.

Grant Burge Shiraz Leads Australia’s Charge

At the forefront of Australia’s success was Grant Burge Meshach Shiraz 2014, a wine that dazzled judges to win Best Australian Wine, Best Australian Red Wine, and Best Shiraz/Syrah Wine. Already classified as “Outstanding” under Langton’s system, the wine proved itself as a benchmark for the varietal, overcoming fierce competition from some of the best Shiraz wines in the world.

Other standout trophy winners included:

• Taittinger Folies de la Marquetterie N.V., which claimed Best French Wine and Best Sparkling Wine.
• Louis M. Martini Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, crowned Best U.S. Wine and Best Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Sauvignon Blend.
• Viña Pedrosa La Navilla Reserva 2019, a triumph for Spain, earning Best Castilla y León Wine and Best Tempranillo Wine.

Global Trends and Surprises

The competition also highlighted evolving trends in the wine world. Australia’s reputation for elegantly crafted white wines has long been established with Semillon and Chardonnay, and this year at the competition, it flexed its white wine making strength with Riesling. The country’s 2015 G+G Single Vineyard Riesling earned the inaugural Best Australian Riesling trophy, while the overall Best Riesling award went to Austria’s Nigl Riesling Privat Ried Hochäcker 2022. 

Spirits were another arena of intense competition, with Australian producers sweeping categories for Best Whisky, Best Brandy, and Best Gin, underscoring the country’s rising prominence in distilled beverages. Meanwhile, New Zealand demonstrated its versatility, winning trophies for Best Pinot Noir and Best Chardonnay alongside its expected dominance in Best Sauvignon Blanc.

Asian Producers Shine

Asia’s entries were far from overshadowed. Thailand made history as GranMonte The Orient Viognier 2022 became the first Thai wine to win Best Asian Wine, outperforming contenders from China, Japan, and India. Produced in Khao Yai’s Asoke Valley, the wine demonstrated the potential of Southeast Asia’s emerging wine regions.

China also impressed, with Xiaopu Winery earning the Best Chinese Wine trophy for its skin-contacted orange wine. The winery partners with growers across the country to source grapes and is known as a pioneer in China’s low-intervention winemaking.

Hong Kong’s Vital Role

As Asia’s wine hub, Hong Kong remains a critical player in the global wine trade. With zero tariffs on wine, the city facilitates fine wine trade across the region. In the first three quarters of 2024, Hong Kong imported HKD 4.973 billion (USD 639 million) worth of wine, with re-exports totaling HKD 1.387 billion (USD 178 million).

Adding to its appeal, Hong Kong recently slashed its spirits tax from 100% to 10% for the portion exceeding HKD 200, a move expected to significantly boost the premium spirits sector. 

This year in the spirits category, Scotch whisky maintained its reputation, while Venezuelan rum was acknowledged as the best in its class. Chilean products also demonstrated their quality, winning two gold medals in the wine category and one in Pisco.

Local producers also had their moment, with Two Moons Distillery winning Best London Dry Gin and several breweries taking home beer trophies. The inclusion of awards for food and wine pairings further highlights the competition’s relevance to Hong Kong’s sophisticated dining scene.

The 2024 HK IWSC awarded a total of 758 medals across wines, spirits, and beers, along with 75 food-pairing medals for products that complement Asian cuisine. For complete results, please visit hkiwsc.com.