Penfolds has been recognised as the ‘World’s Most Admired Wine Brand’ for 2016 by Drinks International magazine in its annual poll. Almost 200 international industry experts including buyers, sommeliers, wine writers, Masters of Wine, industry experts and wine critics took part in the poll, which pits wine brands from all global regions, styles and qualities against each other.
The panel of participants for Drinks International were asked to cast their votes on the most admired wine brands 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
The World’s Most Admired Wine Brands editor Holly Motion, told Drinks International has commented saying that some of the biggest brands don’t make the list. He says “There is no sure-fire way of getting into the top 50 and Penfolds’ ability to appear in all six lists is a testament to its brand identity and ability to not only stay in the Academy’s consciousness, but to push to the forefront of it.”
Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago said the winery was ‘chuffed’ with the global recognition. Last year, it won the Wine & Spirits magazine’s ‘Winery of the Year’ award for the 25th year in a row. It also received the outstanding honour for 1971 Grange, which was named the world’s best wine from the 1970’s by FINE magazine. Recognition continued in 2015 with the Penfolds award for the International White Winemaker of the Year, by the International Wine Challenge.
