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Sparkling wine legend Ed Carr does it again

By Thursday 10 September 2026September 14th, 2026No Comments

Ed Carr from House of Arras in Tasmania has been named Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) in London for the second time.

Carr remains the only non-European sparkling winemaker ever to receive the global award – having first won it in 2024.

“A landmark moment for House of Arras and Australian sparkling wine,” the company said.

House of Arras Grand Vintage 2017 scored 96 points and was awarded the Australian Sparkling Trophy.

Ed was short-listed alongside Emilien Boutillat (Rare Champagne) and Alice Tetienne (Champagne Henriot).

IWC director Chris Ashton said, “The Champion Wines and Winemakers of the Year represent the very highest level of achievement at the International Wine Challenge.

“Each winning wine has succeeded through a series of rigorous blind tastings by an international panel of experts, while the individual awards recognise winemakers whose skill, consistency and dedication have placed them at the forefront of their field.

“This year’s winners demonstrate the extraordinary quality and diversity found across the global wine industry.”

House of Arras was named Winery of the Year at the 2027 Halliday Wine Companion Awards.

It was the first time a dedicated sparkling wine producer had won the award.

Sydney-based family wine and drinks business DMG Fine Wine purchased House of Arras from Accolade Wines in 2023.

Founder William Dong said at the time, “We look forward to working with Ed Carr and the team to bring Australia’s most awarded sparkling wine to the world.”

International Wine Challenge 2026

Sparkling Winemaker of the Year
Ed Carr, House of Arras

White Winemaker of the Year
Estelle Roy, La Chablisienne, France

Red Winemaker of the Year
Javier Martinez de Salinas, Bodegas Olarra, Spain

Sweet Winemaker of the Year
Hans Tschida, Hans Tschida, Angerhof, Austria

Fortified Winemaker of the Year
Sergio Martinez, Emilio Lustau, Spain

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