Australian wines have made a big splash at the India Wines & Spirits Awards (IWSA) 2025, claiming multiple Best in Show, Gold, and Silver medals across key regions including Barossa Valley, Langhorne Creek, and Riverina.
The IWSA, India’s leading blind-tasting competition in the alcohol and beverages industry, brought together 17 expert judges from across the wine trade, hospitality, retail, and distribution sectors in Mumbai to taste over 400 wines and spirits.
Founded by Sonal C Holland, MW, India’s first Master of Wine, the awards aim to set global benchmarks for excellence in the sector.
Australian producers celebrated major wins across several categories. Berton Vineyards scooped Best White Wine Indigenous for Metal Label The Vermentino 2022, Bush Ballad won Best International Red Wine – Merlot for Merlot 2024, while Metala Wines claimed both Best International Red Wine – Cabernet Sauvignon for William Formby Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 and Best International Red Wine – Blend for Langhorne Creek White Label Shiraz Cabernet 2021. Killibinbin also earned recognition across multiple categories, highlighting the growing popularity of Australian wines in India.
The seventh edition of the awards, held on 3 October at the Taj Lands End, Mumbai, featured 50+ categories spanning wine, sake, mead, and spirits including whisky, vodka, rum, gin, agave spirits, soju, and liqueurs.
Out of 211 winners, 68 were Best in Show, 86 Gold, and 57 Silver awardees, with 41 wines, 24 spirits, two sakes, and one mead taking home the top honours.
Speaking at the Winners’ Night, IWSA Founder and Chairperson Sonal C Holland said, “The Awards have become one of the most anticipated nights in the alcobev industry. It is a rare moment when leaders, visionaries, and changemakers come together to recognise and celebrate excellence.”
“Each year, we are encouraged by bold new labels submitted by producers and importers, infusing the Awards with freshness, ambition, and energy.”
Grace Ghazale, Overseas Events Director at Vinexposium, added, “This evening is about more than an award; it’s about celebrating a vibrant industry and the extraordinary people who drive it forward. Sonal Holland’s vision has elevated these awards into a true benchmark of excellence.”
Renowned Indian Chef Sanjeev Kapoor noted, “These awards shine a spotlight on outstanding wines and spirits. The winners don’t just complement a great meal; they elevate the dining experience. I look forward to seeing them on menus across the country, enhancing the way India eats and celebrates.”
Australian wines’ strong performance at IWSA 2025 underscores the consistent quality and diversity of the nation’s winemaking, marking another milestone in their growing international reputation.
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