2024-09-23
On September 20, 2024, the city of Lisbon hosted the prestigious OIV Awards 2024 ceremony, an event organized by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) in collaboration with the Instituto da Vinha e do Vinho (IVV) and Wines of Portugal. This annual celebration, dedicated to recognizing outstanding contributions to the field of viticulture and enology literature, coincided with the centennial celebrations of the OIV, founded in 1924.
Held in the heart of Portugal's capital, the ceremony brought together around 100 attendees, including laureates, prominent figures from the Portuguese wine industry, and diplomatic representatives. Bernardo Gouvêa, president of IVV, opened the event, followed by a speech from John Barker, Director General of the OIV. Barker emphasized the significance of the awards in promoting excellence within the wine sector and commended the authors and publishers for their vital role in fostering greater understanding of viticulture. He noted that these awards are not just a recognition of literary achievements, but a celebration of the knowledge that shapes and influences the global wine industry.
Fourteen books were honored during the ceremony, chosen from a pool of 81 entries, while an additional 15 works received Special Mentions from the OIV. The categories spanned a wide array of subjects, from scientific and technical publications to books on wine tourism, literature, and even comics and card games related to vine diseases. This range reflects the cultural importance of wine and the diverse ways in which it can be explored, studied, and enjoyed.
A notable highlight of this year's ceremony was the introduction of the "OIV President's Award," which was presented to The Australian Ark: The Story of Australian Wine from 1788 to the Modern Era. This comprehensive three-volume work traces the development of winemaking in Australia, from the first vineyards planted in 1788 to the country's rise as a global wine powerhouse. The book was hailed as a landmark historical reference that is set to become an essential text on Australian wine history.
This edition of the awards marked the first time the OIV Awards ceremony had been held outside France, the country where the organization is headquartered. Barker pointed out the significance of celebrating the OIV's centenary in Lisbon, a city with deep-rooted ties to viticulture, in a country that was one of the founding members of the organization. He expressed his gratitude to the IVV and the team behind the event, as well as the National OIV Commission of Portugal (CNOIV) for strengthening the connection between Portugal and the OIV.
The awards were presented to the winners by Azélina Jaboulet-Vercherre, President of the OIV Awards Jury, and Richard Pfister, Scientific Secretary of the awards. Both praised the exceptional quality of the winning books and highlighted the dedication of the authors and publishers to contributing valuable insights to the wine sector.
Since their inception in 1930, the OIV Awards have stood as a symbol of excellence in wine-related publishing. The jury, composed of international experts from OIV member countries, evaluates each entry through a consensus-driven process, ensuring that only the most distinguished works receive recognition in each category.
Looking ahead to 2025, authors and publishers interested in submitting their works for the OIV Awards can apply until February 28, 2025. To be eligible, submissions must have been published within the two years preceding the application deadline and may be in either print or digital format. This opens the door for a new wave of literary and academic contributions to continue enriching the world of wine, a tradition that has been carefully nurtured by the OIV for nearly a century.
The OIV Awards remain one of the most prestigious honors in the wine world, shedding light on the critical role of research, innovation, and culture in the ever-evolving landscape of viticulture and enology. Through these awards, the organization continues to highlight the important contributions made by individuals and institutions, ensuring that the knowledge surrounding wine continues to thrive for future generations.
Check the 2024 winners full list here.
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