Annabel Angland of Cape Mentelle has been named the winner of the Intenational Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2026 Young Wine Producer Award. The award, open to winemakers and viticulturists aged 35 and under, is determined by the performance of their wines at the IWSC Global Judging.
Cape Mentelle delivered an impressive showing at the IWSC 2026 Wine Judging in Margaret River, collecting 10 medals, including gold for its Heritage Chardonnay 2025 and five silver awards.
The IWSC says the award recognises Annabel, “as one of the most exciting talents in the next generation of wine professionals.” We had a chat to Annabel, who is originally from New Zealand, about her viticulture career, and growing grapes in Margaret River.
What first drew you to viticulture as a career?
Initially, it was the opportunity to travel overseas that interested me in the wine industry. To be honest, I only became specifically interested in viticulture after working in vineyards for a year or two. Lindsay McLachlan, owner of Peregrine Wines, provided me with a multi-year “internship” following my studies, which allowed me to work in the winery, vineyard, and cellar door. He found vineyards to be the most interesting part of the process and explained how everything connects across seasons. I learned a lot from both Nick Paulin and Mike Winter during my time there; they are great minds in organic viticulture in New Zealand.
What’s the best part of your job that people outside viticulture probably don’t know about?
Viticulture offers a diverse range of problems to solve, which means there is always so much to learn and experience. One day might involve relating current climate or weather forecasts to spraying options, while another involves weighing the costs and benefits of an additional labour pass for a higher-value crop, or handling logistics and planning for busier periods. No two days are the same, and there is always someone with greater expertise to ask for help, so you never feel alone when navigating a challenge.
Is there a vineyard or variety you particularly love working with, and why?
Unsurprisingly, we work closely with Chardonnay and Cabernet (Sauvignon and Franc) here at Cape Mentelle. These varieties are split across two of our vineyards – Chapman Brook and the Estate vineyard – both of which are beautiful places to work and produce incredible grapes for our wines. These vineyards were established decades before I arrived in the region, so it is a privilege to work with sites that have such an established history.
What’s one thing you’d love more people to understand about what goes into growing great wine?
Putting all the pieces together takes a lot of work, but it is also a lot of fun. While much of the day-to-day work is repetitive, it provides a clear, tangible sense of progress. We are busiest during spring and summer, which is a fantastic time to be working outdoors – a win-win.
When you’re not in the vineyard, what is your favourite way to spend time in Margaret River?
I love playing sports and being involved with the local Football Netball Club. During the winter, I play on one of the netball teams and help out on the committee. Small local communities are great for that kind of involvement. Otherwise, I really enjoy heading to the beach during the summer.
