Despite Wine Australia’s recent gloomy export data, the Australian wine industry has continued to make its mark on the world stage, leaving many hopeful that our well-established export market will remain resilient in spite of forecasts.
“The current economic challenges continue to put pressure on the Australian wine industry,” said Mitchell Taylor, third generation Winemaker and Managing Director at Taylors Wines.
“It’s tough to see small and medium wine businesses, many of which are family-run businesses, struggle through these tough times. But knowing the Australian wine industry, we know how to get through it.”
Taylors St Andrews Clare Valley Shiraz 2020 was recently awarded Wine of the Year (Import) and Best Shiraz at the prestigious San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge. In addition, Taylors was also named Winery of the Year (Import).
“We’re thrilled not only to win the trophy for Best Shiraz but also for the same wine to be recognised as the Imported Wine of the Year,” he said.
“Awards like this demonstrate that Australian wines are amongst the best in the world.
“The U.S. is a very important market for Australian wines, so to have our wine selected as the top drop of all imports is a huge achievement. We’re so honoured to fly the flag for Aussie Shiraz in the U.S. market.”
Also representing Australia in the awards lineup were Jacob’s Creek and Yealands, winning Best Merlot and Best Sauvignon Blanc respectively. The strong performance occurs after Australian wine exports to North America contracted by 27% in 2023. Despite this, the U.S. remains Australia’s biggest market by value at $364 million.
Mitchell Taylor believes that staying true to our classic Australian styles, such as South Australian Shiraz, will be important for ensuring the ongoing stability of our export market.
“Shiraz is Australia’s biggest red wine export as it’s a wine that exudes everything we love about Australian wine – full of flavour, juicy, and ripe with a ‘sunshine in a glass’ freshness,” he said.
“The St Andrews Shiraz is our purest reflection of the beautiful Clare Valley site we call home. I love sharing this wine when I visit the Americas – they can instantly appreciate what premium Australian wine is all about.”
The San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge is an annual event held by US wine critic Robert Whitley. Taylors winning wine, the St Andrews Shiraz 2020, retails at $75 and is currently available from selected wine retailers, Taylors Clare Valley cellar door, and from its online store.
