2014 Hunter Valley Legends and Wine Industry Award Finalists Announced

What Legends Are Made Of

2014 Hunter Valley Legends and Wine Industry Award Finalists Announced

The Hunter Valley has a rich history of winemaking and viticulture, and this is celebrated at the annual Hunter Valley Legends and Wine Industry Awards. Now in its eighth year, the awards celebrate and recognise the outstanding achievements of those in the region who have made major contributions and excelled within the Hunter Valley Wine Industry.

The gala event will be held on May 29 at Wyndham Estate, and the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association is proud to announce this year’s finalists in the categories of Winemaker of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, Viticulturist of the Year and Cellar Door of the Year.

Winemaker of the Year, sponsored by First Creek Winemaking Services, recognises an outstanding Hunter Valley winemaker who is a leader in their profession. It is judged based on experience, qualifications, winemaking techniques, experimentation or individual style resulting in unique wine styles produced.

Finalists (in alphabetical order):

• Jim Chatto, McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant

• Andrew Margan, Margan Family Wines

• Andrew Thomas, Thomas Wines

• Usher Tinkler, Tinklers Wine / Crush House

Rising Star of the Year, sponsored by Riedel, recognises an aspiring star of the Hunter Valley Wine Industry. They can be involved in winemaking, vineyard management, marketing or sales and have made an outstanding contribution over the preceding 12 months, showing vast results and achievement.

Finalists (in alphabetical order):

• Stuart Hordern, Brokenwood Wines

• Jessica McLeish, McLeish Estate Wines

• Belinda Stapleton, Spicers Vineyard Estate

Viticulturist of the Year, sponsored by Laffort Australia, recognises an outstanding viticulturist involved in the management of Hunter Valley vineyards. The criteria include demonstration of vineyards that have achieved single vineyard status and any research and development undertaken to improve quality.

Finalists (in alphabetical order):

• Will Capper, Hunter Valley Vineyard Management

• Louise Eather, Wyndham Estate

• Andrew Margan, Margan Family Wines

• Andrew Pengilly, Tyrrell’s Vineyards

Cellar Door of the Year, sponsored by CBA Local Business Banking, recognises excellence at the cellar door, which largely influences the overall public perception and image of the Hunter Valley Wine Industry.

Finalists (in alphabetical order):

• Bimbadgen

• Oakvale Wines

• Tulloch Wines

The winners of each category are judged by a panel of past winners, industry leaders and guest media  judge, Patrick Haddock.

Inducted into the Hunter Valley Hall of Fame will be this year’s Living Legend, acknowledging the recipient’s lifetime of service to the Hunter Valley. Ian Scarborough was honoured in 2013 after almost four decades in the industry and joined this prestigious group of Living Legends.

The Hunter Valley Heritage Award, sponsored by Brian & Fay McGuigan, will also be presented on the evening, honouring the Hunter Valley’s history as Australia’s oldest commercial wine region. The recipient of this award is selected by the Living Legends.

Tickets for the Hunter Valley’s night of nights are still available. Thursday May 29, 2014, 7pm for 7.30pm at Wyndham Estate. Dress: black tie. Cost: $160pp (tables of 10 - $1550). Three-course meal & wine (until midnight), post-dinner Celebration Bar (until 1am).