THE WINE FRONT

Wirra Wirra was last night named International Red Winemaker of the Year at the prestigious 2007 International Wine Challenge Awards Dinner in London.

Wirra Wirra was the only Australian winery to be short-listed for the accolade.

Head winemaker Samantha Connew, who’s currently in Spain working vintage at Compañia de Vinos de Telmo Rodriguez in Rueda, was at the dinner to accept the award: 'I was terrified – as anyone who’s anyone in the wine industry seemed to be in that room – it was like the Oscars of the wine industry,' shesaid.

'I am just really proud to accept the award on behalf of Wirra Wirra. It’s a tremendous endorsement to the hard work and talent of the whole team. We’re extremely passionate about our red wine at Wirra Wirra from our flagship RSW and The Angelus to our popular Scrubby Rise and religiously followed Church Block”.

'While we might have won the award for our red wines, I think we might drink some Champagne over the next few days, maybe weeks!'

More than 800 guests attended the IWC 2007 Awards Dinner held at the Grosvenor Hotel in Park Lane, and did indeed include many of the industry’s key players.

The International Wine Challenge is one of the world’s largest (and most hyped) wine competitions. More than 465 winemakers, merchants and writers from around the world make up the judging panel, including over 40 Masters of Wine (but it's still a good competition).

This year 9,358 wines were judged at London’s Barbican Centre. 260 won gold medals and from these 84 wines were awarded a distinguished IWC Trophy.