Trophies of 2024 HK IWSC. Image courtesy Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition
The 16th Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition (HK IWSC) Award Ceremony was held during the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair, where Australia proved its popularity in the Asian market once again. With a panel of 56 expert judges from around Asia, the HK IWSC aims to identify the best products suited to Asian taste preferences from across the globe.
The event welcomed guests including consul generals and deputy consul from key nations, such as Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Spain and the United Kingdom. Trade commissioners from Austria, Italy, Spain and USA were also in attendance.
During the ceremony, a total of 54 trophies were awarded to producers, with Australia emerging as the biggest winner once again. Notable accolades included the regional trophy for Best Wine from Australia, awarded to Grant Burge Meshach Shiraz 2014. Australian producers also triumphed in categories including gin, worldwide whisky, and grape brandy. For the first time, the competition recognised Australia’s Riesling, awarding the Best Riesling from Australia to 2015 G+G Single Vineyard Riesling.
In response to the rising quality of Australian Rieslings, European producers have intensified their efforts. This year, the trophy for the Best Riesling went to Nigl Riesling Privat Ried Hochäcker 2022 of Austria. However, the judges were particularly impressed by the indigenous red variety Blaufränkisch, which not only garnered attention but was also awarded Best Wine from Austria this year.
France claimed 6 trophies, with the Taittinger Folies de la Marquetterie N.V. marked as a standout. Chilean products also demonstrated their quality, winning two gold medals in the wine category and one in Pisco.
Other countries also made their marks on the trophy table: Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, and the USA each secured trophies in various categories. Notably, Thai wines achieved a historic milestone by winning the Best Wine from Asia with GranMonte The Orient Viognier 2022, outperforming competitors from Japan, China, and India. Additionally, an orange wine from Ningxia, China, was recognised as the Best Wine from China, highlighting the growing appreciation for skin-contact white wines.
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.
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