Global Gong for Gralyn - Artizan Rare Muscat

A South West winery has been recognised on the global stage, taking out one of the premier categories at the 2022 London Wine and Spirits Competition. Wilyabrup’s Gralyn Estate was recognised with the Wine of the Year award for its Artizan Rare Muscat, which was the only wine to score 97 out a possible 100. Gralyn also took out the best in show by country category.

The renowned competition seeks to “judge drinks in the same way consumers buy them” in which entrants are marked on quality, value for money and packaging and design.

Gralyn Estate owner Scott Baxter said the honour was owed to his wife’s parents. “We’re winning accolades now because Annette’s parents had the foresight 40 years ago to barrel-age this beautiful wine,” he said. “They knew it was special, they knew it had its place and they believed that they were on to something for which we’re very grateful, because now we’re reaping the rewards of their vision and hard work.”

Gralyn Estate was also awarded gold for both its 2017 and 2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon at the London Wine and Spirits Competition.

This year a record number of wines was submitted, 1300 from 36 countries. The spirits category also had a record number of entrants with about 2500 spirits brands from more than 80 countries vying for gold, silver and bronze medals.

Chief executive of the Beverage Trade Network, Sid Patel, said the competition was of a higher calibre compared with previous years. “We were blown away not just by the standard of wines and spirits entered but by the numbers of producers and import in the 2022 competition,” he said.

Story by Brianna Redhead - Article first appeared in the Busselton Dunsborough Times 8th April 2022