IWSC Old Vine Trophy in partnership with The Old Vine Conference

Knotted old vine.

The IWSC has partnered with The Old Vine Conference to highlight the value of old vines and their wines.

Together, the IWSC and The Old Vine Conference are launching a new Old Vine Trophy awarding a producer whose old vine wines not only perform well in the IWSC judging, but also works to preserve and protect old vines and spread awareness of the importance of nurturing heritage vineyards.

Wines eligible for the Trophy will be gathered via the IWSC’s usual online entry system where a new field has been added for producers to enter the age of the vines for each wine. The vine age categories adopted by the IWSC follow established old vine charters such as those in Barossa and South Africa.

As the old vine movement continues to gather global recognition and support, Sarah Abbott MW, co-founder of The Old Vine Conference says of this new initiative:

“Old Vine Wine is emerging as a meaningful category, and this award from such an important and dynamic competition is a significant step. We are delighted that the producers who nurture these precious viticultural resources are receiving increasing recognition. I’m also very grateful to the IWSC for their support.”

Christelle Guibert, CEO for the IWSC comments: “We are delighted to partner with The Old Vine Conference and become one of their advocates in nurturing old vines and protecting our viticultural heritage. The IWSC want to recognise the producers who see the value of old vines and are going out of their way to look after them and encourage others to do the same.”

The IWSC deadline for wine entries is 25th March and judging will take place between 2nd -16th May with the Old Vine Trophy announcement in October presented by Sarah Abbott MW – exact date TBC.

By Belinda Stone