Wine Australia congratulates James Halliday on receiving the prestigious International Wine Challenge (IWC) Lifetime Achievement Award, announced last week at a ceremony held in London.
2024 marks the 40th year of the International Wine Challenge which is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s most rigorous and influential wine competitions.
The Lifetime Achievement honour is awarded to people within the trade who have shown dedication and commitment beyond the norm and made a significant difference to the global wine industry.
It is fitting that this year’s award goes to James Halliday who is regarded as Australia’s preeminent wine communicator. Halliday, now 85, announced in May that he is stepping back from his wine writing and tasting commitments.
Laura Jewell MW, Wine Australia Regional General Manager UK/EMEA, congratulated and thanked Halliday for his contribution to the Australian wine scene, and the wider wine world.
“For more than 50 years, he’s been a champion of Australian wine – as a winemaker, author, wine writer and critic. With books and articles, his annual Wine Companion and regular appearances on panels at events across the world, he is the global authority on Australian wine,” Laura said.
“He has dedicated his life to promoting Australian wine around the world, helping Australia to grow into one of the world’s top five wine exporters. He has inspired generations of growers, makers, trade, consumers and everyone in between.”
Wine Australia General Manager, Marketing, Paul Turale said Halliday had likely introduced more drinkers to the breadth of Australian wine than any other person in history.
“His style is as easily consumed as our great wines and has encouraged many wine drinkers to get out and explore for themselves the wines that are made around the country,” he said.
“On behalf of Wine Australia, I’d also like to acknowledge the great service that James has provided to nurture and build our country’s wine credentials, both here in Australia and around the world. He has been a tremendous ambassador for Australian wine and we thank James for all that he has given to our community.”
Five Winemaker of the Year trophies were also announced at the ceremony, with Ed Carr from House of Arras awarded Sparkling Winemaker of the Year – the first time the title has gone to an Australian producer. In the IWC wine awards, Australian wines won 54 Gold, 250 Silver and 154 Bronze medals, ranking in 2nd place behind France. A fantastic result for Australia and Australian wine.