Asia Wine Awards names two Australian boutique wines Grand Gold winners

Asia Wine Awards 2026 gave its top Grand Gold medal to two Australian boutique wines: Ubertas Project D Shiraz 2021 and Sidewood Estate Chardonnay 2024. The results spotlight premium Australian wine’s commercial potential in Asia even as national export value has fallen.

Why it matters: - The Grand Gold awards put a premium spotlight on two Australian boutique wines in a market where Australian wine exports have been under pressure. - The wins suggest premium, small-production wines can still stand out on quality, pricing power, and fit for Asian dining. - AWA says Grand Gold winners typically see an average 12 percent price uplift.

What happened: - Asia Wine Awards 2026 awarded Grand Gold medals to Ubertas Project D Shiraz 2021 from the Barossa Valley and Sidewood Estate Chardonnay 2024 from the Adelaide Hills. - Ubertas Project D Shiraz 2021 scored 95 points. - Sidewood Estate Chardonnay 2024 scored 96 points. - The awards were announced in Hong Kong on June 11, 2026.

The details: - Grand Gold medals are reserved for wines that score 95 points and above in blind tasting. - The wines were judged by merchants, sommeliers and buyers with expertise in Asian palates and food compatibility. - Sidewood Estate Chardonnay 2024 is pale lemon in color and shows flinty, stony mineral notes, citrus fruit and a touch of coconut sweetness from oak. - Sidewood Estate Chardonnay 2024 is full-bodied, refreshing, and 12 percent alcohol. - Sidewood Estate Chardonnay 2024 has vibrant acidity, citrus and stone fruit flavors, subtle toasted nut notes and a long finish with a gentle sweet-fruited edge. - Ubertas Project D Shiraz 2021 is a limited-release wine with deep ruby color. - Ubertas Project D Shiraz 2021 shows blueberry, black plum, red plum and raspberry, plus smoky notes, vanilla and subtle spice from oak. - Ubertas Project D Shiraz 2021 is full-bodied, with high but elegant tannins, concentrated dark and red fruit, fresh acidity and a long finish. - Ubertas Project D Shiraz 2021 shows strong aging potential. - Wine Australia’s Export Report for the 12 months to December 2025 said Australian wine exports fell 8 percent in value to A$2.34 billion.

Between the lines: - The result highlights where Australian wine can still command attention: premium bottles with regional character, controlled production and clear food-pairing appeal. - The two winners also show breadth in Australia’s top tier, from a warm-climate Barossa Shiraz to a cool-climate Adelaide Hills Chardonnay. - AWA is positioning itself as a gatekeeper for wines that can perform in Asian markets, not just in general competition settings.

What’s next: - AWA says the medals can improve commercial prospects in key Asian markets. - The full winner pages are available for Sidewood Estate Chardonnay 2024 and Ubertas Project D Shiraz 2021. - Asia Wine Awards also directs readers to more information on the competition.