What It Takes to Win: 2024 Trophy Winners Share Their Secrets
- Jun 16
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 17
Every bottle tells a story and behind the 2024 International Cool Climate Wine Show trophy winners are passionate teams, unique philosophies, and a deep connection to place.
As the 2025 show approaches, we caught up with last year’s standout performers—Soumah, Tamburlaine, Elgee Park & Baillieu and Viberti Barolo, to hear what drives their success, how they approach cool climate winemaking, and the advice they’d offer future entrants.
SOUMAH of Yarra Valley
Best Alternate Varietal (Domestic or International)
Chairmans Choice - Paul White
Sponsored by ICCWS Inc
SOUMAH 2021
Hexham Vineyard Nebbiolo
Most Successful Exhibitor in Show
Sponsored by Guala Closures
Soumah Wines
Soumah’s 2021 Nebbiolo is more than a trophy-winning wine - it’s a celebration of their long-standing passion for Northern Italian varieties. Grown in the cool Yarra Valley, the vines ripen slowly in autumn sun, avoiding being picked in the harshness of summer heat.
Inspired by traditional Barolo methods, the winemaking is a meticulous process:120 days on skins and over two years in large-format oak.
“Doing well at ICCWS reassures us we’re on the right path,” says vigneron and founder Brett Butcher. “It validates our direction, supports our brand in the market, and shows that these varieties can shine in Australia’s cool climate regions.”
The Story Behind the Wine
Nebbiolo is a challenging but rewarding variety—late ripening, structurally demanding, and immensely expressive. “It’s a labour of love,” says Brett. “But the result is a wine with finesse, depth, and long living structure.”
Cool Climate Winemaking, the Soumah Way
“Acid retention is key,” Brett explains. “We don’t add acid, our varieties like Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Marzemino hold it naturally in our long, cool ripening season. That’s what allows elegance to shine through.”
On What Makes a Wine Stand Out
“Elegance. Wines where acidity and soft tannins play as important a role as depth of fruit.”
Why ICCWS?
“Benchmarking is critical. ICCWS lets us be judged alongside similar cool climate producers—it levels the playing field and provides meaningful feedback.”
Tamburlaine Organic Wines, Orange NSW
Best Organic White Wine
Sponsored by Riedel Glass
Tamburlaine Organic Wines
2024 Reserve Organic Riesling
Tamburlaine’s 2024 Reserve Riesling took out the trophy for Best Organic Wine at ICCWS—a proud moment for Chief Winemaker Andrew Higgins and the entire winery and vineyard team.
“A trophy for best organic wine at a cool climate show; it couldn’t be better,” says Andrew. “It’s proof that our vineyard-first philosophy is working.”
The Story Behind the Wine
Sourced from Tamburlaine’s highest altitude, 27YO vineyard in Orange, the 2024 vintage came from the first warm, dry season since 2020. “Ripe flavours came early,” explains Andrew, “but they held acidity beautifully. The biggest decision? Picking at exactly the right time.” Made with precision and restraint, this Riesling saw no oak, no lees work—just clean juice, a cool ferment, and early bottling to capture purity and freshness.
Their Cool Climate Edge
“Purity and precision are everything,” says Andrew. “Riesling doesn’t need dressing up. When the site is strong, you just let it speak.”
On What Makes a Wine Stand Out
“Freshness and length. Cool climate wines might not shout, but they linger—with quiet power and elegance.”
Why ICCWS?
“There are only a few shows in Australia that focus purely on cool climate wines. ICCWS stands out—and the awards dinner was a brilliant experience. To shine a light on the quality being achieved by organically certified wine is also an attraction for us.”
Innovation & Sustainability in Action
Tamburlaine’s Borenore vineyard is a showcase of innovation - organic and certified biodynamic for 22 years, minimally irrigated and home to sustainable farming systems throughout the year. The organic and SWA certified Cudal winery continues to improve energy-efficiency, employs eco-friendly winery systems and makes wines exclusively with certified organic inputs including non-animal derived fining agents.
Viberti, Barolo, Italy
Best Italian Wine
Sponsored by Melbourne Marriott Hotel
Viberti
2021 Langhe Nebbiolo
Best International Wine (imported)
Sponsored by Melbourne Marriott Hotel
Viberti
2021 Langhe Nebbiolo
Top Distributor of Show - Imported Wines
Sponsored by Radio 3MP
Winestock Victoria
With a legacy dating back to the early 1900s, Giovanni Viberti is steeped in Barolo history. Today, the estate is led by third-generation winemaker Claudio Viberti, who brings a thoughtful blend of tradition and precision to every bottle.
“Winning at ICCWS confirmed that our rigorous selection process for the Australian market is on point,” says their local distributor. “It’s sparked some fantastic conversations with the trade.”
The Story Behind the Wine
Their winning Barolo DOCG is shaped by a slow, extended ripening season that allows Nebbiolo’s complexity to unfold gradually. “We’re focused on precision—getting the harvest timing right, gentle extraction, extended maceration, and aging in large-format neutral oak,” Claudio shares. “It’s all about purity, structure, and a sense of place.”
Cool Climate Edge
Long ripening windows are key: “Nebbiolo needs time. That slow development lets us manage tannins, preserve acidity, and create wines with longevity and elegance.”
What Makes a Wine Stand Out?
“Balance, varietal clarity, authenticity. Judges at ICCWS seem to value wines that express their origins with confidence—without being overworked.”
Why ICCWS?
“It’s a valuable benchmarking opportunity—especially for imported wines looking to compete in a true like-for-like environment.”
Baillieu Vineyard
Best Mornington Peninsula Red
Sponsored by Southern Peninsula Community Bank
Baillieu 2023 Pinot Noir
People's Choice Award – Best White
Sponsored by Rosebud Country Club
Baillieu 2023 Chardonnay
Baillieu’s dual wins at ICCWS 2024 are a proud moment for the vineyard and winemaker Geraldine McFaul. The trophies for Best Mornington Peninsula Red and People’s Choice Best White reflect years of dedication and a deep respect for the site’s unique terroir.
Established in 1999 by Charlie and Samantha Baillieu, the ten-hectare vineyard is north-facing and planted in deep loamy soils, ideal for slow, even ripening.
The 2023 Chardonnay shows lovely perfume and freshness, while the Pinot Noir delivers texture, richness, and signature Mornington Peninsula character. Both wines highlight Baillieu’s hands-off approach and the care taken from vine to bottle.
The Story Behind the Wine
Meticulous site selection, gentle winemaking, and a focus on balance shape every Baillieu release. For the 2023 Pinot Noir, fruit was destemmed and matured in French oak for 10 months to bring complexity and softness.
Cool Climate Winemaking, the Baillieu Way
Vineyard design allows sea breezes to flow through the vines—reducing disease pressure and limiting the need for sprays. It’s a microclimate that naturally favours Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris.
On What Makes a Wine Stand Out
“Balance, complexity, and a clear expression of varietal character. The best wines show a harmony that lingers.”
Why ICCWS?
“It’s a terrific chance to benchmark against other cool climate producers and celebrate what makes our region shine.”
Sustainability & Innovation
Baillieu uses composting, cover cropping (peas, oats, rye), and minimal sulphur. All wines are vegan-friendly, and no additives are used—reflecting a strong commitment to sustainable practices.
Elgee Park Wines
People’s Choice Award – Best Red
Sponsored by Rosebud Country Club
Elgee Park 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
Elgee Park’s 2022 Cabernet Merlot earned the People’s Choice for Best Red—recognition that resonates deeply for one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most historic producers.
Planted in 1972, Elgee Park is the region’s oldest vineyard. Nestled on north-facing slopes near Port Phillip Bay, its maritime climate helps Cabernet and Merlot ripen fully while maintaining freshness and structure.
This award-winning wine blends ripe, elegant fruit with soft tannins and subtle oak—capturing both varietal identity and regional charm.
The Story Behind the Wine
The 2022 vintage offered near-perfect conditions, producing fruit with intensity and balance. A careful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot brings together power and plushness in equal measure.
Cool Climate Winemaking, the Elgee Park Way
Time-honoured vineyard management and small-batch winemaking ensure each wine reflects its site. Gentle extraction, thoughtful oak use, and precise blending are all key to the Elgee Park style.
On What Makes a Wine Stand Out
“Authenticity. The wines that speak of place, with texture, balance and persistence, are the ones people remember.”
Why ICCWS?
“It’s an opportunity to engage directly with wine lovers and fellow winemakers who appreciate cool climate expression. The feedback is invaluable—and the People’s Choice nod makes it even more special.”
Why They Enter and Why You Should Too
Each of these producers highlighted ICCWS as a standout opportunity for benchmarking, peer feedback, and regional focus. Tamburlaine summed it up best: “There are only a few shows in Australia that focus purely on cool climate wines. ICCWS celebrates the nuance, purity, and elegance that define our craft.”
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