Taylor Swift wasn’t the only Taylor picking up an award in California last weekend. As music’s elite gathered at the Grammy’s, the world’s winemaking elite came together at the San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge with Australian reds from Taylors Wines and Jacob’s Creek receiving trophies.

Taylors Wines was named ‘Winery of the Year – Import’ after taking home two trophies: ‘Wine of the Year (Import)’ and ‘Best Shiraz’ for its Taylors St Andrews Clare Valley Shiraz 2020.

Taylors St Andrews Clare Valley Shiraz 2020 was the critic’s pick of both shiraz and imported wines at the major show, which also awarded the wine a Platinum medal. The latest recognition marks the sixth time Taylors has won the Best Shiraz award at the San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge in the last seven years. 

“We’re thrilled not only to win the trophy for Best Shiraz but also for the same wine to be recognised as the Imported Wine of the Year,” said Managing Director Mitchell Taylor. 

“The US is a very important market for Australian wines, so to have our wine selected as the top drop of all imports is a huge achievement. We’re so honoured to fly the flag for Aussie Shiraz in the US market.”

Other Australian reds to claim a prize at the San Diego competition include Jacob’s Creek, which won the trophy for Best Merlot for its 2023 Classic Merlot.

The US is the world’s largest and most attractive wine market, with 101 million cases of imported wine reported to be consumed in 2020. While overall exports of Australian wine have declined in line with continued global economic pressures, the US is still Australia’s biggest market by value at $364 million, according to Wine Australia’s recent Export Report. The award comes at a crucial time for Taylors and the rest of the Australian wine industry as it continues to struggle in the face of ongoing trade tariffs in China. 

“The current economic challenges continue to put pressure on the Australian wine industry – it’s tough to see small and medium wine businesses, many of which are family-run businesses, struggle through these tough times,” Taylor said.

“But knowing the Australian wine industry, we know how to get through it, and awards like this demonstrate that Australian wines are amongst the best in the world. 

“Shiraz is Australia’s biggest red wine export as it’s a wine that exudes everything we love about Australian wine – full of flavour, juicy, and ripe with a ‘sunshine in a glass’ freshness. The St Andrews Shiraz is our purest reflection of the beautiful Clare Valley site we call home. I love sharing this wine when I visit the Americas – they can instantly appreciate what premium Australian wine is all about.” 

The San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge is an annual event held by US wine critic Robert Whitley. Since 1996, the international wine competition has brought together California-based wine critics, sommeliers, and winemakers to judge hundreds of wines from around the world. 

Taylors’ win at the San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge is the latest in a string of shiraz successes for the Clare Valley winery. In October last year, Taylors Heritage Shiraz 2022 achieved a perfect 100-point rating and was crowned International Champion at Argentina’s VINUS International Wine & Spirits Competition. 

Taylors trophy-winning St Andrews Shiraz 2020 is currently available from select wine retailers, Taylors Clare Valley cellar door, and online from www.taylorswines.com.au for RRP $75. 

Taylors opens Garden of Chill pop-up bar