In the world of winemaking, specific accolades hold a special place of honour, signifying excellence, craftsmanship, and the dedication of passionate vintners. One such momentous occasion occurred exactly two decades ago when Manley Wine Estate’s very own Private Cellar Shiraz 2003 was awarded the prestigious Grand Prix Trophy at the International Michelangelo Awards, held at the renowned Spier Wine Estate that year. This remarkable achievement, especially for a young winery, propelled Manley Wine Estate into the global spotlight and cemented its position as a producer of exceptional wines.
Join us as we revisit this remarkable milestone in Manley’s history and celebrate the talent of the original owner and winemaker, David Jordan.
Back in 2003, David Jordan was still in the early days of establishing the winery. The rolling hills of the picturesque estate held the promise of great things to come. With just a handful of vintages behind him, Manley was already capturing the attention of wine enthusiasts and critics alike.
The International Michelangelo Awards represent a pinnacle of achievement in the world of winemaking. In that fateful year, a staggering 1,198 wines from around the globe were submitted for evaluation. These wines were meticulously judged by a panel of 12 esteemed international judges hailing from 11 different countries.
Among the sea of exceptional entries, the Manley Private Cellar Shiraz 2003 stood out, receiving the highest accolade of all— the Grand Prix Trophy. It was a moment of sheer elation, as it not only acknowledged the hard work and dedication of David Jordan but also catapulted the winery into the international spotlight. It signified that the passion, craftsmanship, and relentless pursuit of excellence had paid off. Winning the Grand Prix showcased the winery’s potential and established it as a force to be reckoned with in winemaking industry.



Two decades have passed since that unforgettable triumph, and we have continued to build upon the foundation laid by David Jordan. Our winemaker today honours David’s legacy while infusing his own innovative approaches and techniques. We strive to create exceptional wines year after year, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and carving our path in the industry.
As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the victorious Grand Prix win at the International Michelangelo Awards, we reflect on the journey that brought us here. It is a journey marked by passion, perseverance and a commitment to crafting exceptional wines. We are immensely proud of Manley Wine Estate’s history and grateful for the continued support of our loyal customers and the global wine community.
Here’s to the legacy of excellence that we carry forward, and to the next twenty years of Manley Wine Estate, where our dedication to crafting exceptional wines will never waver!