Lifestyle & Entertainment
22 October, 2025
The Pyrenees regains regional shield
WINES from the Pyrenees Shire have excelled at the annual Western Victorian Wine Challenge. The challenge showcases the best wines from the Pyrenees, Grampians, Henty, and Ballarat regions, celebrating excellence and regional identity.
The Pyrenees wine region excelled at last week’s presentation ceremony held recently in Ararat.
There were 183 exhibits and 83 exhibits medalled, an impressive 40% of which came from Pyrenees producers.
This signifies the regions ongoing commitment to producing high-quality wines that reflect its unique terroir, innovative spirit and deep viticultural heritage.
Taltarni Vineyards started off the Pyrenees winning streak with their NV Blanc de Blancs winning Best Sparking.
Taltarni’s NV Brut also received a gold medal highlighting Taltarni’s commitment to excelling in Sparkling wine production and reinforcing their longstanding sparkling reputation.
Summerfield Wines took home the trophy for Best Shiraz and Judges Best Red Wine of Show for its 2023 Summerfield Shiraz.
The 2023 Reserve Shiraz and 2015 Reserve Cabernet also secured Gold Medals, further cementing Summerfield’s reputation for crafting consistently outstanding red wines across vintages.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see our wines recognised at this level,” said Mark Summerfield, Winemaker and Managing Director.
“These results reflect not only our team’s hard work but also the exceptional quality of fruit we’re growing here in the Pyrenees.”
Blue Pyrenees Estate was awarded Most Successful Exhibitor of the show excelling across multiple categories.
Blue Pyrenees Estate received the trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon for its 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon, Best Other Red for its 2024 Winemaker’s Reserve Cabernet Franc, and The Provenance Award for its Estate Red vintages 2013, 2017 and 2024.
Blue Pyrenees Estate also secured gold medals for its 2025 Sauvignon Blanc, 2022 Richardson Shiraz, 2022 Richardson Reserve Shiraz and 2024 Estate Red.
“To our team, we’ve come a really long way in 12 months, and we’ve put in a lot of hard work and to be recognised for this is really great,” said Eden Walpole, Senior Winemaker Blue Pyrenees Estate.
Further success was had with Mount Avoca’s Organic Late Harvest 2024 Viognier and Organic 2024 Lagrein both receiving gold medals, reinforcing our region’s growing reputation for sustainable practices.
Adding to the celebrations, Christopher Howe, Production Manager at Summerfield, was awarded one of two WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) scholarships for further wine education - recognising his dedication to the craft.
“Learning is at the heart of great winemaking,” said Mr Howe.
“This scholarship is a fantastic opportunity to deepen my knowledge and bring that insight back to our vineyard, cellar, and future wines.”
Western Victoria Wine Challenge President Liz Ladhams said the record participation reflects both the heritage and fresh energy driving the western wine scene.
“Today’s been absolutely incredible. Not only have we increased in number, but we’ve increased the number of new exhibitors coming through,” she said.
Local wineries who snagged awards included:
Best Sparkling Wine: Taltarni Vineyards NV Blanc de Blancs
Best Rosé & Other Whites: Black & Ginger 2024 The Gypsy Vermentino
Best Shiraz: Summerfield Wines 2023 Shiraz
Best Cabernet Sauvignon: Blue Pyrenees 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon
Best Other Red: Blue Pyrenees 2024 Winemaker’s Reserve Cabernet Franc
Best Museum Wine (White): Mount Langi Ghiran 2009 Cliff Edge Riesling
Best Museum Wine (Red): Grampians Estate 2015 Fields Crossing Grenache
The Provenance Award: Blue Pyrenees Estate Red
Judges’ Best Red Wine of Show: Summerfield Wines 2023 Shiraz
Kym Ludvigsen Award – Best Single Vineyard Wine: Larry Sadler for B. Seppelt & Sons 2025 Drumborg Riesling
Most Successful Exhibitor was awarded to Blue Pyrenees Estate who ultimately helped secure the Region Shield Award for 2025 for the Pyrenees Region.