Penfolds named World's Most Admired Wine Brand 2019

Penfolds has been named the ‘World’s Most Admired Wine Brand’ by Drinks International in its annual poll.

The prestigious list has seen great wineries from every corner of the world recognised by a carefully selected international panel of more than 200 wine buyers, masters of wines, journalists and wine writers.

The results were announced at an awards ceremony in Düsseldorf, Germany this morning.

Penfolds Chief Winemaker Peter Gago said: “To be honoured as the World’s Most Admired Brand in our 175th anniversary year is something truly profound. We have a heritage and story that is still celebrated and a future where we are still eager to innovate, surprise and push boundaries. This global recognition from our peers is something to celebrate and celebrate we shall.”

The judging panel were asked to cast their votes for wine brands from all regions, styles and qualities. The most admired wine brands awards are based on the following criteria:

• The wine is consistent or improving quality

• It reflects its region or country of origin

• It responds to the needs and tastes of its target audience

• It is well marketed and packaged

• It has a strong appeal to a wide demographic

Since 2011, when Drinks International first started to celebrate and honour wine brands with its annual industry survey, Penfolds has been acknowledged in the top five brands on the list and first received the top accolade in 2016.

Villa Maria named top 3 in global wine brands

For the first time ever a New Zealand wine brand, Villa Maria, has been awarded in the top three Most Admired Wine Brands in the World.

“It’s an absolute honour for Villa Maria to be named as the third most admired wine brand in the world and we are delighted to be held in such high esteem on the international stage. New Zealand is a relatively young winemaking nation and to be in the top three wine brands in the world is immensely powerful for New Zealand wine and the New Zealand export sector. I’m very excited about the future of our whole industry,” said Villa Maria Founder and President, Sir George Fistonich.

“This award is a testament to the unrelenting passion, enthusiasm and intelligence of winemaking and viticulture teams. The quality of our wines consistently deliver and show we exceed in all the award criteria. It’s fantastic recognition for Villa Maria and I’m incredibly proud that we are punching well above our weight on this prestigious global list,” said Sir George Fistonich.