Sparkling wine flows as Australian winemaker takes out top international award

An Australian winemaker has taken out the top prize for sparkling wine at the International Wine Challenge, the first time a local winemaker has done so. It marks just the second time in the competition’s 40-year history that the award has gone to a winemaker outside France’s Champagne region.

Tasmanian-based House of Arras’ chief winemaker, Ed Carr, was presented with the award for Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at a special ceremony in London earlier this week.

“I’m incredibly honoured to be named this year’s Sparkling Winemaker of the Year. It’s a challenge to describe the feeling, but I’m proud to be recognised amongst my peers for such a significant international award,” Mr Carr said.

The IWC is considered one of the world’s most rigorous and impartial wine competitions. This year, France topped the medal tally with 72 gold, 394 silver and 455 bronze medals – extending their haul by 84 more wins than last year.

The 40-year-old competition is considered one of the most influential events in the winemaking calendar.

Australian winemakers took out second place, with 54 gold, 250 silver and 154 bronze medals. Australia also won 19 trophies, 10 of which went to South Australia.

House of Arras also received the Australian Sparkling Trophy for its 2014 House of Arras Blanc de Blancs, as well as two gold and six silver medals.

Tasmania’s cool climate and soil make it ideal for producing world-class sparkling wine says Ed Carr (pictured).

Mr Carr said Tasmania’s cool climate and terroir were equal to the world’s best sparkling wine regions. The wins follow a strong showing this year at Australia’s National Wine Show and the Decanter World Wine Awards, where House of Arras also collected awards.

“2024 has been an outstanding year on the awards front, and I’m honoured to add this recent recognition from the International Wine Challenge to the mantle,” he said.

Luxury car manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini has posted its strongest-ever financial results, achieving record-breaking revenues of €3.09 billion in 2024, surpassing the €3 billion threshold for the first time in the company’s history.

Operating income also reached an all-time high of €835 million, reflecting a 15.5% increase over the previous year, while maintaining an impressive operating margin of 27%.

Global sales saw significant growth, with Lamborghini delivering 10,687 cars in 2024, a 5.7% increase year-over-year. This growth was consistent across key markets in the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific regions, highlighting the global strength of the Lamborghini brand despite challenging market conditions.

Chairman and CEO Stephan Winkelmann attributed the company’s success to the strategic renewal of its product range and the strength of its team. “Evolving the entire product range while continuing to grow: this is how we can summarize another record year for Automobili Lamborghini,” Winkelmann said. “We are confident and determined as we embrace the next challenges in the sector, continuing to combine performance, exclusivity, and innovation.”

The record results reflect an intense 18-month transformation period, marked by the introduction of three new models. The launch of the Revuelto—the first V12 High Performance Electrified Vehicle (HPEV)—combined Lamborghini’s iconic heritage with advanced hybrid technology. Additionally, the new Urus SE elevated the Super SUV segment, introducing cutting-edge innovations in technology, efficiency, and performance. Lamborghini also introduced the Temerario at the prestigious Monterey Car Week, embodying the brand’s uncompromising spirit and design ethos.

Paolo Poma, Managing Director and CFO, emphasized Lamborghini’s commitment to sustainable growth and innovation. “Our goal remains achieving sustainable growth from both financial and environmental perspectives, creating lasting value for all stakeholders,” said Poma.

The company’s ongoing success has boosted employment significantly, with 1,000 new employees joining the workforce over the past two years, representing a 30% increase. This expansion is supported by Lamborghini’s most substantial investment plan ever, designed to modernize production, enhance manufacturing capabilities, and improve the sustainability of the company’s industrial ecosystem.

Automobili Lamborghini remains a significant contributor to Italy’s economy, reinforcing the global prestige of Made in Italy through a commitment to exclusivity, craftsmanship, and technological innovation. With these strong results, Lamborghini is poised for further growth and continued excellence in the luxury automotive industry.

Sparkling wine flows as Australian winemaker takes out top international award

The Tasmanian-based winemaker was among a number of Australian producers to be honoured at the event in London this week

Luxury carmaker delivers historic revenues, record global sales, and robust profitability amid ambitious product transformation.