| PARIS, FRANCE, 9 FEBRUARY 2025 — James Halliday AM has been named the recipient of the 2025 Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) Lifetime Achievement Award in association with the drinks business. The award was presented at Vinexposium’s V d’Or by Patrick Schmitt MW, the drinks business editor-in-chief, and Rod Smith MW, IMW chair.
The award acknowledges the substantial contribution of an individual to the global wine community, and recognises vision, determination and innovation. All recipients are considered not only to be successful in themselves, but to have materially contributed to the advancement of the wine world or its interests.
Over 55 years, James Halliday AM has shaped the Australian wine industry as a writer,and wine critic for The AUSTRALIAN newspaper , winemaker and judge, mentoring generations and elevating Australian wine on the world stage.
He co-founded Brokenwood Wines in 1970 and Coldstream Hills in 1985, demonstrating a deep understanding of terroir, and has chaired judging panels for major wine competitions globally. Two-time winner of the James Beard Award, his accolades include Wine Spectator Book of the Year and being named as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honours. Since 1979 he has authored and contributed to a catalogue of over 80 books and numerous articles, and his eponymous Annual Wine Companion, launched in 1986, remains a definitive guide to Australian wine.
On receiving the award, James Halliday AM remarked: “I am deeply honoured that the membership of the Institute has voted I should receive this Award in 2025, thus joining a very distinguished list of prior recipients from all corners of the globe.”
Patrick Schmitt MW, editor of the drinks business, said: “”Such has been the influence of this remarkably prolific and influential wine critic that no mention of Australian wine quality seems complete without his opinion.”
Rod Smith MW, IMW chair, added: “”It with the greatest pleasure and pride that I present this well-deserved award to the legend that is James Halliday.”
James was unable to attend the ceremony in person, nominating last year’s winner, Jancis Robinson OBE MW, to accept the award on his behalf. Jancis commented: “It was a great honour to be able to accept this award on behalf of someone I have known and admired for decades.”
Recipients are nominated and voted on by Masters of Wine. Since its debut in 2005, some of the industry’s most respected contributors have been presented with the accolade:
2005 – Robert Mondavi
2007 – Marchese Piero Antinori
2011 – Jean-Michel Cazes
2012 – Olivier Humbrecht MW
2013 – Baroness Philippine de Rothschild
2015 – Hugo Johnson OBE
2016 – Mark Savage MW
2017 – Miguel A. Torres
2019 – Paul Symington
2024 – Jancis Robinson OBE MW
About the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW)
The IMW is a membership organisation with an exceptional international reputation. For more than 70 years, its members – the Masters of Wine (MWs) – have been at the forefront of leadership and expertise in the world of wine. The IMW’s mission is to foster excellence, interaction and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. MWs prove their comprehensive understanding of wine by passing the MW exam, recognised worldwide for its rigour and exacting standards. In addition to passing the exam, members must sign the code of conduct before they are entitled to use the initials MW. This requires them to uphold the highest standards of commercial conduct within the industry. Today, there are 421 Masters of Wine working in 30 countries. The membership encompasses winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, viticulturalists, academics, educators and more. There are 346 students from 43 countries in the 2024-25 MW study programme. The IMW works with 37 supporters and four research and industry associates, who help promote the IMW’s mission. The five principal supporters are Austrian Wine, AXA Millésimes, Champagne Bollinger, Constellation Brands and VSPT Wine Group.
or more information visit: https://www.mastersofwine.org/
About the V d’Or awards
The world of wine and spirits is at the forefront of major present-day issues – including declining consumption, climate change, new consumption patterns and the loss of traditional expertise – which undermine its long-term future and its performance. However, many industry stakeholders across the globe are pouring their talent, their creativity and their ingenuity into producing inspiring and innovative solutions in a bid to create a future packed with promise for wines and spirits. Every year, the V d’Or awards celebrate these initiatives that creatively address challenges in the world of wine and spirits.
About James Halliday AM
James Halliday AM is one of Australia’s most influential wine figures. In a wine career spanning 55 years, he has fulfilled the roles of wine writer, critic, winemaker and senior wine judge. He has inspired, mentored and educated generations of wine lovers, been awarded numerous accolades, and worked tirelessly to elevate the quality, perception and accessibility of Australian wine.
James began his professional wine journey as a co-founder of Brokenwood Wines in the Hunter Vally in 1970 before going on to found Coldstream Hills in the Yarra Valley in 1985. Through these ventures he demonstrated a sharp understanding of terroir and an obsession with getting every detail right.
In 1977 he became a wine judge, going on to become Chairman of Judges of the Victorian Wine Show, Sydney International Winemakers Competition, Adelaide Wine Show and National Wine Show Canberra. He also has judged at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and in wine competitions in the United Kingdom, United States, South Africa and New Zealand.
He has received some of the world’s most coveted awards, including the Wine Spectator Book of the Year, the James Beard Foundation Award twice, and the Julia Child award for Best Wine, Spirits or Beer Book. In June 2010, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Since 1979 he has authored and contributed to an extraordinary catalogue of over 70 books and numerous articles. Most celebrated of all has to be his eponymous Annual Wine Companion. Started in 1986, it has since become for many the publication of record for Australian Wines. |
