Clare Valley’s Reillys Wines have been declared the country’s best small winery at the prestigious 2024 Australian Small Winemakers Show (ASWS).
The Mintaro-based winery achieved extraordinary success, garnering eleven awards, including the ultimate accolade of Champion Small Winery. The awards were announced at the Australian Small Winemakers Show Gala Dinner in Stanthorpe, Queensland, on the evening of Friday October 25th.
Owner and winemaker of Reillys, Justin Ardill, accepted the awards, including the champion trophy, two additional trophies and eight medals. This included three golds, two silvers, and three bronzes.
This major win comes after a distinguished performance at the 2024 Canberra International Wine Show where Reillys Museum Release Riesling received an Elite Gold.
Established in 1987, the ASWS is dedicated to celebrating small wineries that produce less than 500 tonnes annually.
The competition highlights the technical skill and innovative spirit of Australia’s small winemakers. It has risen to be one of the most esteemed wine shows in the country, influencing tastes and standards across the industry.
Justin Ardill shared his thoughts at the Gala Dinner: “We are incredibly humbled to be recognised as the best small winery in Australia and have our 2024 Watervale Riesling voted by the team of judges as not only the best South Australian white wine, but to receive the trophy for the Champion White Wine in the nation.”
He praised their viticulturist, Robert Smyth, who was awarded the Champion Viticulturist of Show trophy, crediting him with a pivotal role in their success.
Reillys Wines distinguished itself among the entries from more than 130 wineries, with over 700 wines decided by a panel of industry icons. Ardill says that receiving these awards reinforces the Clare Valley’s reputation as a premium Riesling-producing region in Australia.
The star of the show, the 2024 Watervale Riesling, which clinched key awards, is produced entirely in Watervale. It features fruit from a 50-year-old, low-cropping vineyard managed by Smyth.
Ardill describes the wine as having a fragrant orange blossom aroma, with a palate highlighting citrus flavours complemented by structured acidity and low residual sugar. “It’s ready for drinking right now,” says Ardill.
He also says it pairs particularly well with seafood, though he notes that it ages beautifully, developing enriched honey tones ideal for pairing with lighter meats like chicken.
Gold medals were awarded to Reillys Wines’ 2023 Dry Land Tempranillo and the 2017 Museum Release Riesling.
Silver medals were awarded to the 2018 Moonvine RCV Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz and the 2021 Dry Land Sagrantino Sangiovese Shiraz.
Bronze medals went to the 2018 Dry Land Sangiovese, the 2019 Epitaph Shiraz, and the 2020 Moonvine Sagrantino Sangiovese Shiraz.
Established by Justin and Julie Ardill in 1993, Reillys Wines has expanded from humble beginnings to a renowned producer of four ranges of vegan-friendly wines. These include the super-premium RCV range, the signature Dry Land range, the popular Reillys range, and the acclaimed Barking Mad range.
For more information on Reillys Wines and the label’s major ASWS wins, click here.
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