Australia has clinched the International Chardonnay trophy in the International Wine Challenge (IWC), widely regarded as the world’s most influential, impartial and rigorously judged global wine competition.

The IWC’s 2025 medal and trophy results have sent shockwaves through the industry, with bold ‘new world’ wines rising to challenge the long-standing dominance of the ‘old world’.  

IWC’s Chris Ashton (above) said: “Most people would assume that the top Merlot would be from Bordeaux, the best Syrah from the Rhône and the finest Chardonnay from Burgundy, but when you put wines from over 35 countries head to head and get them blind tasted by nearly 250 of the world’s best palates the results can be truly eye-opening.” 

Medals were awarded to 36 winemaking countries following the blind tasting by an international panel of nearly 250 experts last month.  

France took first place, followed by Spain in second place and Australia in third place in the medal tally.

The judges were impressed with Australia’s “remarkable breadth from elegant Bordeaux style blends from Margaret River to the vibrant cool-climate Pinot Noirs from Tasmania. There were standout entries across fortified and sparkling too.  With 51 Golds, 220 Silvers and 122 Bronzes, Australia firmly held its title as the leading ‘new world’ nation.  “

Co-chair Peter McCombie MW added: “Not so long ago, the words ‘cool climate Australia’ would have been an oxymoron, but some of our favourite Australian wines in this year’s competition came from cool-climate regions. Stylish, mineral Chardonnays from maritime zones and fresh, succulent Pinot Noirs, notably from Tasmania, were among the highlights.” 

The trophies for both Australian red and white wine went to the same producer, Tolpuddle Vineyard in Tasmania, for its The Tolpuddle Vineyard Pinot Noir and The Tolpuddle Vineyard Chardonnay. These two wines also won the Australian Pinot Noir Trophy and the Australian Chardonnay and International Chardonnay trophies respectively. 

Tolpuddle Co-Founder Martin Shaw said: “When we bought the vineyard back in 2011, we couldn’t have imagined the international success and reputation that these wines have received.

“Adam Wadewitz is an exceptional winemaker who has captured the essence of the Tolpuddle site. This tops off an exciting few months, having opened the Tolpuddle Vineyard Tasting room in December.”

Morris wines won several trophies for it’s fortified wines.  Its Old Premium Rare Muscat won the Australian Fortified Trophy and the Muscat Trophy and its Old Premium Rare Tawny won the Rutherglen Fortified Trophy. 

Ponting Wines owned by former cricketer Ricky Ponting, bowled over the judges by winning the Australian Shiraz Trophy for its 127 Milestone 2022 

The full list of medal and trophy winners in the 2025 International Wine Challenge can be viewed here.