A LOCAL winery has enjoyed 100 per cent success in an international wine and spirit competition, taking home gold medals for its four red wine entries.

Family-owned Mallee Estate Wines, in Renmark, entered the China Wine and Spirit Awards (CWSA) for the first time this year, and saw its 2015 Tempranillo crowned with a ‘double gold’, meaning it received a unanimous gold award from the judge’s panel.

The 2015 Mallee Estate Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz were also awarded gold medals.

Director and winemaker from Mallee Estate Wines Jim Markeas said he and his family were "pleasantly surprised" with their success.

"It is a great honour to win these awards in China which is our largest export market," he said.

"These awards not only give confidence to our Chinese consumers that our wines are of great style and quality, but also allows them to discover the Riverland region of South Australia as a great wine region of the world."

Mr Markeas said his parents left Greece to live in Australia, and have lived in Renmark for almost 50 years.

"Our family has been making wine here since 1998 and we opened the cellar door in 2005," he said.

"We started exporting to China in 2009 and entered the US market in 2015.

"We recognise that the export market is where our future lies."

CWSA judges are selected for being the top buyers of wines and spirits in the industry.

The wines and spirits entered from 55 countries were ‘blind tasted’ in February.

"The judges know what flavours and styles they like because they buy and sell in the market," Mr Markeas said.

"Our wines are fruit-driven, with soft tannins, pleasant oak and a soft finish.

"We are excited that our pinot noir did so well as it is our first release of the variety.

"We have been working hard in our vineyard to get it right, as it is more renowned for growing in cooler climates."

The award-winning wines can be tasted for free at the Mallee Estate Wines cellar door.