AN Australian producer has been named International Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in London.
McGuigan Wines from the Hunter Valley in NSW took home the award for the third time last Wednesday.The winery also won in 2009 and 2011.
A panel of critics awarded 39 medals nine gold, 22 silver and eight bronze to the Australian producer for its 39 entries.
Chief winemaker Neil McGuigan said the winery had come a long way from its humble beginnings in the Hunter Valley.
"To be the only winery in the world to have won worlds best winemaker three times is a testament to our commitment to quality,'' Mr McGuigan said on the winery's website.
"We can now proudly say that we are one of the most awarded wineries in the world.
"The ultimate satisfaction though, is seeing people enjoy our wines everyday.
"There's nothing quite like it.''
Winemakers from more than 80 countries entered this year's competition.
