Today, the 2024 Adelaide Hills Wine Show, presented by Multi-Color Corporation (MCC), unveiled its list of trophy winners, showcasing once again the dominance of familiar names in the regional wine scene. Vella Wines emerged as a prominent victor, garnering multiple awards including Best Wine of Show with its 2020 Harvest Widow Chardonnay. This exceptional wine also claimed the trophies for Best White Wine of Show, Best Single Vineyard Wine, and Best Chardonnay. In response to the wins, Mark Vella, the man behind the label, shared his overwhelming joy, admitting he was “lost for words.”
There were celebrations for Wicks Estate too, as their 2023 Shiraz was awarded Best Red Wine of Show and the trophy for Best Shiraz. Alex Trescowthick, President of the Adelaide Hills Wine Region, praised the winners, saying ““It highlights the bespoke nature of our wine region which is rooted in the families that live here, grow grapes, and make wines here. These are Hills’ wines made by Hills’ families, who have proudly staked their name to their quality. Congratulations to the Vella and Wick families.”
This year’s competition shone a light on a notable rivalry between the red and white varietals, particularly between Shiraz/Syrah and Chardonnay. Sarah Crowe, Head of Judges and a noted winemaker with Yarra Yering in Victoria, shared insights into the decision-making process that led to the Chardonnay’s triumph. She highlighted the varietal’s strong performance in the region and pointed out its impressive complexity and proven potential for ageing as decisive factors in its victory over the vibrant but younger Shiraz.
Deviation Road’s 2017 Beltana Blanc de Blancs received the award for Best Sparkling of Show. The winery was also celebrated as the Best Producer over 100 tonnes. Pike & Joyce, another family-owned endeavor, was recognized as Best Producer under 100 tonnes, adding to the strong showing of family-run labels in this year’s awards.
During the judging process, Crowe remarked on the challenges and delights faced when selecting from top-tier entrants, particularly within the sparkling wines category. The Wine of Provenance Trophy drew particular interest, ultimately coming down to a tight competition between a Chardonnay and a Shiraz, with just one vote separating the contenders. Sidewood won this prestigious award for the second consecutive year with a different selection of Chardonnay wines, as their consistent excellence and evolving potential of their vineyards shone through.
Another point of discussion among the judges was the emergence of Gamay as a significant varietal. The enthusiasm surrounding its development and the commitment to it within the Adelaide Hills was apparent, suggesting promising growth and specialisation in this area in the future.
The distribution of trophies across eleven varied varietal classes saw each being won by different producers.
Top Trophies at the 2024 Adelaide Hills Wine Show
Best Wine of Show, sponsored by Multi Colour Corporation
Vella Wines 2020 Harvest Widow Chardonnay
Best White Wine of Show, sponsored by Langley & Co
Vella Wines 2020 Harvest Widow Chardonnay
Best Red Wine of Show, sponsored by The Manna Group
Wicks Estate 2023 Shiraz
Best Sparkling Wine of Show, sponsored by Torresan
Deviation Road 2017 Beltana Blanc de Blancs
Best Producer of Show <100t, sponsored by Duxton Hospitality Services
Pike & Joyce
Best Producer of Show >100t, sponsored by Chassin Cooperage
Deviation Road
Trophies by style/variety at the 2024 Adelaide Hills Wine Show
Best Single Vineyard Wine of Show, sponsored by Clemens/ G & J East
Vella Wines 2020 Harvest Widow Chardonnay
Best Museum Wine of Show, sponsored by Mt Lofty House
Sidewood 2014 Signature Owen’s Chardonnay
Wine of Provenance of Show, sponsored by Ondeen
Sidewood Signature Owen’s Chardonnay – 2014, 2021, 2022
Best Chardonnay of Show, sponsored by F Miller & Co
Vella Wines 2020 Harvest Widow Chardonnay
Best Sauvignon Blanc of Show, sponsored by Fermentis
Barristers Block Wines 2024 Home Series Sauvignon Blanc
Best Riesling of Show, sponsored by Prowine
Shaw + Smith 2024 Riesling
Best Pinot Gris/Grigio of Show, sponsored by Hahn Corporation
La Prova 2024 Pinot Grigio
Best Gruner Veltliner of Show, sponsored by Humanee
Hahndorf Hill 2024 Gru Gruner Veltliner
Best Other White of Show, sponsored by Lallemand
Wines by Geoff Hardy 2024 Hand Crafted Fiano
Best Rose of Show, sponsored by Hills Bottling and Canning
La Prova 2024 Aglianico
Best Pinot Noir of Show, sponsored by Vinpac
Ngeringa Vineyards 2022 Single Vineyard ‘Summit’ Pinot Noir
Best Shiraz of Show, sponsored by National Wine Centre
Wicks Estate 2023 Shiraz
Best Gamay of Show, sponsored by Turon Consulting & Contract Winemaking
Hesketh Wines 2024 Woodside Gamay
Best Other Red of Show, sponsored by Culture Crop
Ministry of Clouds 2023 LDR
Best Cabernet of Show, sponsored by Blue H2O Filtration
No trophy awarded
Best Tempranillo of Show, sponsored by Blue TK Print
No trophy awarded
A total of 605 wines were entered and judged in the 2024 wine show.
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