Tasmanian winemaker wins global accolade

Bronwyn Lisson
By Bronwyn Lisson
Tasmanian Country
11 Jul 2024
Ed Carr, Chief Winemaker at House of Arras

TASMANIAN winemaker Ed Carr of House of Arras has made history by becoming the only Australian to be named Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at the 2024 International Wine Challenge (IWC)

Mr Carr, the Chief Winemaker at House of Arras, accepted the award at The Oval in London on Wednesday night.

The win for House of Arras, also marks the second time in the competition’s 40-year history that a winemaker outside of Champagne has received the award. It is also the second time Mr Carr has been named a finalist in the IWC, having received a nomination in 2022. 

“I’m incredibly honoured to be named this year’s Sparkling Winemaker of the Year. It’s a challenge to describe the feeling, but I’m proud to be recognised amongst my peers for such a significant international award,” Mr Carr said.

“Everything we do at House of Arras is based on our single-minded approach to crafting exceptional sparkling wine that speaks to Tasmania's cool climate and ancient soils and is equal to the world’s best. 

“This endorsement from one of the world’s most respected wine competitions is a testament to this mission, and I’m thrilled to share this award with the team.” 

The IWC is renowned worldwide for its rigorous judging process and impartiality. Over 500 experts from more than 38 countries judge the wines, ensuring that winning entries represent the very best in the global wine industry.

Mr Carr is the only Australian sparkling winemaker to appear on the finalist shortlist in the competition’s published results, which date back to 2009. 

In addition to Mr Carr’s achievement, House of Arras secured the Australian Sparkling Trophy for its 2014 House of Arras Blanc de Blancs, along with two gold and six silver medals at this year’s IWC. 

The trophy-winning House of Arras Blanc de Blancs 2014 is crafted from 100% chardonnay fruit sourced from premium vineyard sites in Tasmania. 

“2024 has been an outstanding year on the awards front, and I’m honoured to add this recent recognition from the International Wine Challenge to the mantle,” Mr Carr said. 

Ed Carr
Ed Carr, Chief winemaker at House of Arras

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