Penfolds has won the Golden Vines Best Fine Wine Producer in the Rest of the World for the third year in a row – elevating it to All-Star Winners status alongside Domaine de la Romanee Conti and Ridge Vineyards.
Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago AC was in Paris to receive the award. “It’s hard to digest – to become an All-Star Winner, having won the award for the third time in three years,” he says.
“At once humbled, it was a great honour accepting the award in Paris on behalf of the entire Penfolds team – only two months shy of Penfolds’ 180th Annivesary.
“This event truly has become the Oscars of fine wine, and we’ll be forever grateful to be a part of this experience in the company of the world’s most esteemed wine producers and collectors.”
Organised by Liquid Icons, the 2023 Golden Vines Awards, which recognise the star performers of the fine wine and spirits industries, were presented at the Opera Garnier in Central Paris.
Close to 1,000 fine wine professionals from 120 countries voted for this year’s awards, including 27 Masters of Wines, 22 Master Sommeliers, more than 180 winemakers, wine press, wine merchants and Michelin-star sommeliers with an average experience of 15 years in the industry.
The results were independently verified by Deloitte LLP, in accordance with the voting rules published on Liquid Icons website.
Each winner received a trophy designed by British visual artist and Golden Vines creative director Shantell Martin and crafted by Amorim Cork featuring 2023 commissioned artwork by French artist Jonathan Bréchignac. The trophy was housed in a specially-created and produced trunk by Golden Vines sponsor Gucci.
During the award ceremony, guests were treated to culinary creations from three Michelin-star chef Alain Ducasse and two Michelin-star Akrame Benellal paired with exceptional wines including 2009 Dom Pérignon Rosé, 2004 Dom Pérignon P2, 2015 Château d’Yquem, 2013 Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux Echézeaux Grand Cru, 2007 Liber Pater, 2006 Istvan Szepsy 6-Puttonyos and an exclusive blend of old Camus Cognac.
A Sotheby’s Live Auction featuring money-can’t-buy luxury experience lots took place to raise funds for the Gérard Basset Foundation with the aim of financing further diversity and inclusion-related education programs in wine, spirits and hospitality.
Winners:
World’s Best Producer
Domaine de la Romanee Conti
Best Fine Wine Producer in the Rest of the World
Penfolds
Best Fine Wine Producer in the Americas
Ridge Vineyards
Best Fine Wine Producer in Europe
Weingut Egon Muller of Germany
World’s Best Rising Star
The Sadie Family Wines of South Africa
Sustainability Award
Emidio Pepe of Italy
Innovation Award
University of California Davis Department of Viticulture & Enology
World Best Rare Spirit Brand
The Macallan
Hall of Fame Award
Jancis Robinson OBE MW
Photos: Marc Piasecki/Getty Images for Liquid Icons.
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