Australia and NZ Home to World’s Most Admired Wine Brands

Australian owned wine brand Penfolds has been named ‘World’s Most Admired Wine Brand’ in Drinks International’s 2016 poll, toppling two-time Spanish winner Torres. Penfolds was the only Australian wine brand to make it into the list, while Villa Maria took the title for New Zealand.

Almost 200 global industry experts take part in the poll each year, including buyers, sommeliers, wine writers, Masters of Wine and wine critics. To be voted as one of ten World’s Most Admired Wine Brands recognises the strength of a brand’s identity and its perception among trade as a quality wine that offers a strong point of difference.

Penfolds is one of the oldest and most prestigious wine brands in Australia, established in 1844 in South Australia, and is recognised locally for upholding the perception of Australian wine throughout its history, as well as its own benchmark in quality assurance.

“All at Penfolds are so chuffed with this global recognition – from those working in our vineyards and wineries, on our bottling lines, back-of-house in logistics, procurement and marketing, to our talented sales teams around the world who are at the coal-face selling our whites, reds and fortifieds”, Penfolds Chief Winemaker Peter Gago said.

“After 172 years in the wine business we’re still hungry, still excited and still eager to make better wine and champion new followers.”

Villa Maria was recognised by the list for the second year in a row this year, and was placed above well-known wine brands Château D’Yquem and Tío Pepe; a remarkable achievement considering the youthful age of New Zealand’s wine industry.

“Villa Maria fits the bill perfectly”, Editor of Drinks International Christian David commented. “A brand virtually everyone admires, respects and, most importantly, drinks. A flag bearer for everything that is good about New Zealand.

“Well done to George Fistonich and all his team. Great man, great wines.”

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