Awards & Classifications
In the 1980s Margaret River wines began to command major attention from the critics of Australia and the world. One of the most significant milestones, was in 1983/4 when Cape Mentelle won Australia’s most coveted red wine trophy, the Jimmy Watson at the Melbourne Royal Wine Show in consecutive years.
The reputation has built considerably since then. Some highlights of Margaret River’s critical success are featured here. Comprehensive details can be found in the Margaret River Wine Association Media Kit (Available for download via Media Resources link below).
Australian Acclaim
2026 Halliday Wine Companion Best Wineries
This is a roll call of exceptional wineries. Although Margaret River accounts for only 2% of Australia’s vineyards, it boasts a significant share of the country’s 5-star wineries – 42 in total. Several Margaret River winemakers and viticulturists have been awarded as leaders of their fields in this publication. (Pictured).
Langton’s Classification
The premier guide to Australian fine wine, The Langton’s Classification has been compiled since 1990, as an independent list based on their demand and performance in the secondary market (at auction). 12 wines from Margaret River were part of the 100 wines selected for the 8th Edition, unveiled in December 2023.
The Real Review
The Real Review Wine Classification comprises the greatest wines of Australia and New Zealand with an outstanding track record of a decade or longer. Each wine has demonstrated its quality in our blind tastings over a period of at least ten years. Many of the wines in our Classification have earned their place over several decades. 64 Margaret River wines (over 10%) were included in the 2025 Classification.
International Acclaim
International Wine & Spirit Challenge (IWSC)
A global competition that has run since 1969, attracting thousands of entries from over 90 countries. In 2025, Margaret River wineries received 9 of the 40 Wine Trophies awarded – more than any other wine region in the world. The IWSC’s Top 50 Wine Producers of 2025 features seven wineries from Margaret River. The producers are recognised for delivering consistent quality and excellence. The lists are compiled using IWSC results data from a three-year period.
Decanter World Wine Awards
Decanter is one of the world’s largest and most influential wine competitions. 15,000+ wines from 50+ countries are judged each year. In 2025, of 57 participating countries, Australia’s share of awards placed it as the fourth best performer after France, Italy and Spain. Within that, Margaret River was Australia’s most awarded region, claiming an impressive 104 medals, including 22 Top-Tier Awards.
“WA won 4 of the 19 Chardonnay “Best of Show” awards in the five [Decanter] shows between 2020 and 2024, against the entire wine world – 21%. WA’s Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blends won 4 of 7 “Best of Show” awards in the three shows between 2022 and the just-released 2024 results against the world – 57%!
That is, WA’s Cabernet dominant blends, all from Margaret River, have won 4 of the 7 “Best of Show” awards given to this variety or blend, from anywhere in the world, including Bordeaux, in the three most recent Decanter World Wine Awards.”
JOHN JENS
COMMENTATOR & RETAILER
Margaret River Wine Show Trophy Results
The first Margaret River Regional Wine Show was held in 2002, with 424 entries and 8 trophies awarded. In 2024, the show received 650 entries from 91 producers, with 20 Trophies awarded. Discover the archive of Margaret River Wine Show trophy winners below.
