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More international success for our wines

Media Release | 25 June 2008

The recent success of four South Australian wineries at this year's prestigious London International Wine Challenge is an indicator of the state's dynamic and resilient wine industry.

Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister, Rory McEwen, says South Australian varieties Majella 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Kilikanoon's 2005 Oracle Shiraz, Tim Adams 2007 Clare Valley Semillon and Yalumba's 2007 The Virgilius Eden Valley Viognier were judged the best in the world."

"South Australia exports nearly 400 million litres of wine annually valued at $1.6 billion,' Mr McEwen says.

"It's no small feat that a state with 8% of the national population accounts for 50% of wine production volume, 60% of wine production value and 70% of wine exports.

"Our wine industry is a key wealth generator, and a key component of both our Food Plan and the SA Strategic Plan.

'The success of these four great wines at the London International Wine Challenge can only add to our already strong international reputation.

"This is a remarkable achievement when considering the stringent judging criteria and quality international competition that the wines faced.

"The 2008 London International Wine Challenge conducted multiple tastings of each wine over two weeks and included entrants from forty different countries.

"One of the winners, the 2005 Majella Cabernet Sauvignon was one of only three wines in the world to receive four trophies - the maximum possible number.

Majella Wines is owned and operated by the Lynn family in the world-renowned Coonawarra Wine District. The Lynn family have been residents of the Penola - Coonawarra district for over four generations.

"All the winning wineries have added to the proud history of the South Australian wine industry as world leaders in quality wine production.

"I congratulate all the winning wineries for their significant achievements on the world stage," Mr McEwen said.