The champagne is rarely on ice at Vasse Felix these days.
Margaret River's first wine estate, already celebrating its 50th birthday this year, is now rated the best new world winery in the world by influential US wine publication Wine Enthusiast.
Vasse Felix, established in the now-famed wine region in 1967 by Tom Cullity and now owned by Paul Holmes à Court, was ranked above other world-class nominees from Stellenbosch (De Toren), Auckland (Kumeu River), Argentina (Trapiche) and Chile (Vina Ventisquero).
It is the first WA winery to win the coveted award, joining previous Australian winners Penfolds (2013), Yalumba (2009) and Clarendon Hills (2006).
Mr Holmes à Court was naturally thrilled with the accolade.
"We've grown together from a doubtful 8-acre vineyard planted by Tom Cullity, in what was then a remote dairy-farming town, to an internationally renowned wine estate in 50 short years," he said.
"This award belongs to everyone who has worked to make Vasse Felix what it is today."
Wine Enthusiast editor and publisher Adam Strum said Vasse had set the standard for Margaret River wine quality since its inception.
"They have consistently raised the bar for their region with outstanding, long-lived cabernet sauvignon and complex, multifaceted chardonnay," he said.
"The current team, with Virginia Willcock at the winemaking helm, continues to take the winery to new heights."
It's been a massive year for Vasse, with the inaugural release of its new flagship wine, the 2013 Tom Cullity, to coincide with its 50th celebrations.
Mr Holmes à Court said the recognition was evidence Margaret River had cemented its reputation for world-class cabernet and chardonnay.
"Margaret River's youth and isolation were once our challenges... but have become our greatest assets," he said.
"The pristine coastal location, ancient lands and biodiversity of flora and fauna make it a wine paradise unlike any other place on earth."
A run of exceptional vintages in the region since 2007 has resulted in wine quality excelling each year, with winemaker Virginia Willcock taking full advantage with her exceptional nous and recent focus on wild ferments.
Mr Holmes à Court plans to expand Vasse's influence around the globe.
"The next 50 years at Vasse Felix will be defined by continued investment in wine quality and sustainability, and a serious focus on brand building in major export markets such as North America, UK and Asia," Mr Holmes à Court said.
Margaret River Wine Association director Amanda Whiteland said the award was fitting recognition of Vasse's long-term reputation for quality and leadership.
"From hosting tastings for local producers, to volunteering on boards and committees, the Vasse Felix team are fantastic supporters and ambassadors for Margaret River," she said.
"The USA is a top three market for Margaret River exports and the award will be a great spotlight for our beautiful Margaret River wine region, and therefore something all producers can benefit from."
Margaret River contributes just three per cent of Australia's overall wine production, but commands 20 per cent of its premium market.
The region's cabernets accounted for 41 per cent of James Halliday's 'Best of Best by Variety' in his 2018 Wine Companion and 25 per cent of its chardonnays.