An Australian has received the award for Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) for the first time ever. Ed Carr, the chief winemaker of Australia's most awarded sparkling wine producer, House of Arras, was the recipient.
The IWC is now in its 40th year, and one of the most influential global wine competitions – with over 500 judges from 38 countries participating this year. Ed Carr’s award marks only the second time in the 40 year history that a winemaker outside of Champagne has received Sparkling Winemaker of the Year.
“I’m incredibly honoured to be named this year’s Sparkling Winemaker of the Year. It’s a challenge to describe the feeling, but I’m proud to be recognised amongst my peers for such a significant international award,” Carr said.
“Everything we do at House of Arras is based on our single-minded approach to crafting exceptional sparkling wine that speaks to Tasmania's cool climate and ancient soils and is equal to the world’s best. This endorsement from one of the world’s most respected wine competitions is a testament to this mission, and I’m thrilled to share this award with the team.”
It is the second year Carr has been named a finalist for the IWC Sparkling Winemaker of the Year award, having received the nomination in 2022.
“2024 has been an outstanding year on the awards front, and I’m honoured to add this recent recognition from the International Wine Challenge to the mantle,” said Carr.
In addition to the winemaker win, House of Arras received the Australian Sparkling Trophy for its 2014 House of Arras Blanc de Blancs, along with two gold and six silver medals at the IWC.
The trophy-winning House of Arras Blanc de Blancs 2014 is crafted from 100% chardonnay fruit sourced from premium vineyard sites in Tasmania. It’s a mature blanc de blancs style with enticing complexity from an extensive tirage maturation of just over seven years.
House of Arras wines are available at select fine wine retailers, the House of Arras Pipers River cellar door, and online from www.houseofarras.com.au.
