Winner of IWSC 2023 Old Vine Trophy: Cape Mentelle

At IWSC, not only we recognise excellence in the quality of wines, spirits and other drinks, we also value the hard work producers put into minimising their environmental impact and preserving their heritage vineyards. Today, at our 2023 Awards Celebration at the Roundhouse, London, we were delighted to announce the winners of our Sustainability Awards, including Green Wine Initiative and Old Vine Trophy.

Winner of IWSC 2023 Old Vine Trophy: Cape Mentelle

Our Old Vine Trophy was open to all 2023 awards entrants with wines made from vines 35 years old and upwards. With the shortlist including such renowned producers as Cape Mentelle, Clairault Streicker, Hester Creek Estate Winery, Le Bertole di Bortolin and Terre Paisible selecting a winner was not an easy task for our judges. Having reviewed all the applications, the judges decided that it was Cape Mentelle who deserved to be named as the winner.

One of Margaret River’s benchmark producers, Cape Mentelle has demonstrated a holistic approach to preserving their old vines. This involves, but is not limited to extensive work at the vineyard: for the last decade they have been focusing on maintaining the soil health through increasing organic matter, to ensure sufficient nutrients for their old vines, as well as pruning vines to a reduced capacity for a better wine balance and a stronger vine health. The judges were impressed with Cape Mentelle’s work creating a nursery block to ensure access to heritage material for future plantings. It is equally important that Cape Mentelle are educating their staff, creating strong custodians of the heritage vineyards, said the judges. 

Cape Mentelle were presented with their award by The Old Vine Conference founder and IWSC Judging Committee Member Sarah Abbott MW. 

Congratulations to Cape Mentelle, and thank you to our partners, The Old Vine Conference!