News Flash! Cardinham Estate, a third generation family winery in Clare with vineyards dating back to the 1860s, collected all the major trophies at the 2009 International Riesling Challenge.
The 2003 Riesling received three key trophies at the prestigious annual event - Best Museum Class Riesling, Best Riesling from Australia and New Zealand, and Best Riesling in the World.
The Smith's believe this success stems from the rich pedigree of Cardinham Estate vineyards. Its Old Block vineyard that produced the 2003 riesling was planted in 1967 under the guidance of legendary Riesling maker Mick Knappstein of the Stanley Wine Company, and it prospered despite being planted in the middle of a drought without the aid of irrigation.
This was a great win for the family, raising the creditability of the winery, the region and its signature varietal, and Australia's ability to produce world class Rieslings. Not to mention the quality stock of the vineyards.