The Austrian Wine Challenge and the German International Wine Show are two of the largest officially recognised wine competitions in the world, with wines from more than 40 countries judged each year. After rigorous tastings and ratings from a panel of international oenologists, wine experts, sommeliers, gastronomers, wine traders and journalists, Gold and Silver awards are given out for a varieties of categories. Tastings for the Austrian Wine Challenge took place across August and September this year, with 40,000 wine bottles sorted and judged.

Queensland’s largest winery, Sirromet Wines, threw its hat in the ring this year and came away victorious, winning two Gold and Six silver awards at the Austrian Wine Challenge and one Gold at the German International Wine Show. Sirromet’s Gold Award-winning wines include the 2012 Sirromet LM Cabernet Merlot Petit Verdot, 2012 St Jude’s Road Grand Reserve Merlot and the 2013 Le Sauvage Viognier. These wines were notable thanks to the distinct flavours and aromas afforded by the soil and climate of Queensland’s Granite Belt region. The award-winning wines can be purchased at Sirromet’s cellar door or online.