The Hunter Valley wine industry has again honoured some of the high achievers amongst the passionate community. The third annual Hunter Valley Legends and Wine Industry Awards held at Wyndham Estate, Dalwood, has celebrated and recognised the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the region.
Jim Chatto from Pepper Tree Wines was named Winemaker of The Year, for his outstanding wines and leadership in the field. Chatto was up against PJ Charteris from Brokenwood Wines and Usher Tinkler from Poole's Rock, but managed to take home the major prize.
Rising star of the Year went to Brokenwood Wines’ Sarah Crowe, who beat out tough competition from Matt Burton at Wandin Valley Estate and Nick Patterson from Chateau Pato/Mistletoe Wines
Cellar Door of the Year went to Scarborough Wine Co. Situated on our hillside property on Gillards Road Pokolbin. Owned by Ian, Merralea, Jerome and Sally Scarborough, the cellar door enjoys panoramic view of the valley and is renowned for its high quality service. Other finalists in the section were Brokenwood Wines and Pepper Tree Wines.
Viticulturalist of the Year award went to Ian Tinkler from Tinklers Vineyard, which was awarded to him based on the care, management and achievements he has made at the vineyard under his watch. Tinkler beat biodynamic winegrower Rod Windrim of Krinklewood Wines and Liz Riley of Vitibit to take home the award.
This year’s awards saw the introduction of a new awards category, the Heritage Award, designed to recognise and acknowledge landmarks or items of historical importance that have influenced the course of or made a significant contribution to the Hunter Valley Wine Industry. The inaugural award went to Uncle Dan's Slab Hut at Tyrrell’s Vineyards.
In addition to the awards, each year the committee induct new members to the Hunter Valley Living Legends honour role. This year saw the addition of Jay Tulloch of Tulloch Wines, Bruce Tyrrell of Tyrrell’s Wines, Phil Ryan of McWilliams Mount Pleasant and Fay McGuigan from McGuigan’s Wines.
