McGuigan Wines has been awarded the prestigious accolade of Australian Winery of the Year – plus a cabinet of gold medals – at the New York International Wine Competition.

Having won the title in 2017, McGuigan Wines saw off competition from across the country to take the prized trophy along with two double gold medals, six golds, nine silvers and six bronze awards.

Double golds were awarded to McGuigan Shortlist 2010 and McGuigan Semillon 2014.

A further six golds were given to McGuigan Bin 9000 Semillon 2015, McGuigan Shortlist Riesling 2012, McGuigan Shortlist Chardonnay 2016, McGuigan Shortlist GSM 2016, McGuigan Shortlist Riesling 2015 and McGuigan Shortlist Semillon 2013.

The accolades build on McGuigan’s unrivalled performance at global wine shows, with chief winemaker Neil McGuigan having been crowned International Winemaker of the Year by the International Wine & Spirits Competition for a record four years.

The New York International Wine Competition win comes as McGuigan Wines relaunches into the US market, where sales of premium Australian wine are generating renewed consumer interest.

Australian wine in the $US30-49.99 price bracket is growing at 25% (Nielsen/CGA, MAT March 2018) with the McGuigan Hand Made ($US40 RRP) introduced in May this year to target that market.

To drive the brand forward across the US, McGuigan has partnered with Palm Bay, its new distributor, delivering fresh excitement in Australian wine as consumers explore the country’s evolving style and varietals.

Commenting on the win, chief winemaker at McGuigan Wines, Neil McGuigan, said: “We are delighted to have been named Australian Winery of the Year for the second time at such a prestigious wine competition.

“Our winemaking philosophy is all about making the wine the hero and we are committed to over-delivering at every price point, which is demonstrated by this award which, like other US wine shows, is judged by price bracket.

“To have success across a range of both red and white varietals, across every price segment from entry level to super premium is a great achievement and highlights the dedicated focus of our viticultural and winemaking teams to driving quality throughout the entire portfolio.

“We are excited about the US and are making great strides, having re-entered the market at a time of growing interest in premium Australian wines.”