International Sparkling Winemaker of the Year

Ed Carr receives prestigious award for second time. 

There’s even more to celebrate at House of Arras, with Chief Winemaker Ed Carr named Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at the 2026 International Wine Challenge (IWC) in London.

It is the second time Carr has received the prestigious global accolade, following his first win in 2024. Remarkably, he remains the only non-European sparkling winemaker to have received the award.

The recognition was accompanied by another outstanding result for House of Arras, with the Grand Vintage 2017 awarded 96 points and the Australian Sparkling Trophy.

The latest international honours add to an exceptional period for House of Arras, which was also recently named Winery of the Year at the 2027 Halliday Wine Companion Awards - the first time a dedicated sparkling wine producer has received the title.

Together, these accolades are a remarkable recognition of the craftsmanship behind House of Arras and Tasmania’s growing reputation on the world stage for exceptional cool-climate sparkling wine.

For Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia, it’s particularly exciting to see a member of our collective receive this recognition. Our wineries are selected not only for the quality of their wines, but for their commitment to creating memorable visitor experiences that connect guests with the product, people and places behind the label.

Discover House of Arras in Tasmania

For wine lovers inspired to discover House of Arras for themselves, a visit to their Tasmanian brand home provides the opportunity to go beyond the cellar door and explore the craftsmanship and stories behind the wines.

Visitors can choose from a collection of bookable experiences designed to showcase House of Arras and Tasmania’s sparkling wine story.

• Sparkling Scholar Experience - Dive deeper into the world of sparkling wine with a guided masterclass exploring the craftsmanship behind House of Arras’ méthode traditionnelle wines. 
• Wine, Wildlife and Vineyard Experience -For those wanting to experience more of Tasmania alongside its wine, the Wine, Wildlife and Vineyard Experience brings together gourmet tastings, beautiful landscapes and encounters with Tasmania’s iconic wildlife.It’s a distinctly Tasmanian way to experience the connection between wine and place — and a reminder that some of the most memorable winery visits are about much more than what’s in the glass.
• 40 Years of Tirage -A rare opportunity for serious sparkling wine enthusiasts, 40 Years of Tirage takes guests through four decades of House of Arras winemaking.This intimate tasting showcases prized back-vintage and museum-release sparkling wines, providing a fascinating perspective on the complexity and longevity of premium Tasmanian sparkling.

Celebrating Australian Wine Tourism

Ed Carr’s latest international accolade is a significant recognition for House of Arras and another moment to celebrate the quality of Australian sparkling wine.

Being named Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge for a second time, alongside the Australian Sparkling Trophy for Grand Vintage 2017, reinforces the international reputation House of Arras has built through decades of dedicated sparkling winemaking.

For travellers, it also offers another compelling reason to discover where these celebrated wines are made. Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia brings together premium wineries across Australia’s leading wine regions, creating opportunities to meet the people behind the labels and experience the wine, food, landscapes and stories that make each destination unique.

Congratulations to Ed Carr and the entire House of Arras team on this outstanding international recognition.

For sparkling wine lovers, there has rarely been a better reason to raise a glass of Tasmanian sparkling — or to plan a visit and experience House of Arras for yourself.