Margaret River red wine named best in world as region dominates International Wine and Spirits Competition

WA’s worst kept secret is that the best wines come from Margaret River, and now the world knows it too after the region dominated in the industry’s most prestigious competition.

The South West wine town cleaned up and carried Australia to the top at the International Wine & Spirits Competition, winning nine trophies out of the 40 up for grabs.

Judges took a special liking to one particular $45 bottle of red, crowning Xanadu Wines’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 the highest score this year with 98 points.

Winning 22.5 per cent of all the trophies put Margaret River head and shoulders above the rest of the world, helping jolt Australia to be the most awarded country at 10 total.

Margaret River even beat France, which took home six trophies, Portugal with four nods and Spain earning four as well.

The impressive feat is made more so given the size of the competition, with judges tasting upwards of 12,000 wines from more than 90 countries, proving the South West region’s world class difference.

Margaret River Wine Association chief executive Amanda Whiteland said the global recognition was a massive coup for the region.

“These results not only reflect the outstanding quality of the recent vintages, but also highlights the region’s long-term trajectory of excellence,” she said.

“Margaret River wines have never been more exciting.”

While the IWSC chief executive Christelle Guibert praised WA for its dominance in the wine game.

“The exceptional medal results demonstrate how Western Australia continues to deliver world-class wines that resonate with global audiences,” she said.

Trophy winners from Margaret River:

• Amato Vino – Savagnin Space Girls 2024 ($45)
• Deep Woods Estate – Reserve Chardonnay 2024 ($85)
• Deep Woods Estate – Reserve Chardonnay 2023 ($85)
• Nocturne – SV Forrest Chardonnay 2024 ($65)
• Happs – Three Hills Chardonnay 2023 ($50)
• Aravina Estate – Stella Bdx 2022 ($90)
• Peccavi Estate – The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ($150)
• Snake and Herring – Cannonball Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 ($65)
• Xanadu Wines – Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 ($45)