There are moments in wine that remind you why all the early mornings, long days and attention to detail are worth it.
This is one of them.
We’re incredibly proud to share that our 2024 Stella Bella Cabernet Sauvignon has been crowned Grand Champion Wine of Show at the 2026 Royal Queensland Wine Awards.
Before taking home the coveted Angelo Puglisi Trophy for Grand Champion Wine of Show, the wine was also awarded Best Cabernet Sauvignon and Best Red Wine of Show.
For our team, it’s a remarkable honour.
Even more rewarding, it follows the success of the 2023 Stella Bella Cabernet Sauvignon, which was awarded Best Cabernet Sauvignon and Best Red Wine of Show at the 2025 Margaret River Wine Show.
To see successive vintages recognised at two of Australia’s most respected wine shows is something we’re incredibly proud of.
A Reflection of Place
At Stella Bella, Cabernet Sauvignon has always been at the heart of what we do.
Our vineyards sit in the cool southern reaches of Margaret River, where long ripening seasons and refreshing sea breezes allow the fruit to develop slowly. It’s these conditions that create Cabernet with perfume, elegance, energy and remarkable detail.
The 2024 vintage is a perfect example.
Made entirely from estate-grown fruit, it reflects the character of our southern vineyards and the careful decisions made throughout the growing season.
As Chief Winemaker Jarrad Olsen explains:
“The 2024 Stella Bella Cabernet is made entirely from estate-grown fruit from our southern Margaret River vineyards. These cooler sites retain perfume, detail and freshness, even in warmer vintages. That natural elegance is what sets the wine apart and, we believe, is a big part of why it stood out to the judges.”
A Team Effort
While the trophy may sit beside a single bottle, it belongs to an entire team.
From Jim and the vineyard crew caring for every vine throughout the season, to Jarrad, Sam and the winery team guiding the fruit through vintage, and everyone behind the scenes who helps bring our wines to life, this recognition is shared by many hands.
As Jarrad puts it:
“Awards like this belong to the whole team. From the vineyard through to the winery, everyone has played a part. Recognition like this reminds us that all the hard work, care and attention to detail is worth it. It gives the whole team enormous confidence and reinforces what we’re striving for every season.”
More Than One Trophy
This latest recognition is the culmination of an extraordinary period for Stella Bella.
Over the past two years our wines have earned major trophies across Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, alongside outstanding reviews and recognition both nationally and internationally.
For us, the most satisfying part is not any single award. It’s the consistency.
Across different vineyards, varieties, vintages and wine styles, the focus remains exactly the same: to craft wines that genuinely express Southern Margaret River.
