Many of those involved in all that is wine in the Hunter Valley have lifted their glasses and toasted the best in the business at the Hunter Valley Wine Industry Awards held Thursday 28 May at Wyndham Estate, Dalwood.
Iain Riggs, chairman of the awards, paid tribute to the high calibre of entrants in this year's awards and the ongoing efforts of those in the Hunter Valley to continue the search for wine excellence. "We are very fortunate to have so many talented and passionate people who work hard to continue the high standard of winemaking in the region which was set by the Hunter Valley legends and pioneers.
"The awards ensure we recognise and celebrate those that are at the forefront of the industry and highlight their achievements," he said.
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The Hunter Valley Living Legends: back row; Sally Scarborough, Sarah Crowe, Jim Chatto, Ian Tinkler and Ian Scarborough. Front row; Jerome Scarborough and Merralea Scarborough
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Four new members were added to the ranks of Hunter Valley Living Legends - that is, those individuals who have shown long-term vision and commitment to the betterment of the Hunter Valley. The inductees are: Jay Tulloch of Tulloch Wines, Bruce Tyrrell of Tyrrells Vineyards, Phil Ryan of McWilliams Mt Pleasant and Fay McGuigan, formerly of McGuigan Wines.
Fay has continued a family tradition, joining her husband, Brian, who was inducted last year and Perc McGuigan, who was an inaugural inductee in 2007.
Other previous inductees include, Brian Walsh, Max Drayton, John Tulloch, Karl Stockhausen and the late Max Lake.
The Winemaker of The Year award recognises an outstanding Hunter Valley winemaker. It is judged on a number of factors including experience, qualifications, winemaking techniques, experimentation or individual style resulting in unique wine styles produced. This year's winner is Jim Chatto of Pepper Tree Wines. PJ Charteris of Brokenwood Wines, and Usher Tinkler of Pooles Rock were also finalists.
Accolades were also paid to those who work behind the scenes. The Viticulturist of the Year award acknowledges those involved in the management of Hunter Valley vineyards, particularly those that achieved iconic status under the care of the nominee, any research and development undertaken to improve quality, and work that has resulted in better practice for the Hunter Valley.
This year's winner is Ian Tinkler of Tinklers Vineyard. Other finalists were Rod Windrim of Krinklewood Vineyard and Liz Riley of Vitibit.
The Cellar Door of the Year was taken out by Scarborough Wine Co, with Brokenwood Wines and Pepper Tree Wines close contenders for the title. The Scarboroughs invite guests to sit down to a personalised tasting experience, and are hosted through their tasting while they take in the views the property offers.
Sally Scarborough spoke of the benefits of this special approach: "We believe that our tasting experience is truly unique - and are constantly reminded of this by the feedback from our customers. Our cellar door is a very important part of our brand and we see this as the first chance to truly show wine lovers and novices what the Scarborough family is all about."
Rising Star of The Year was Sarah Crowe of Brokenwood Wines (see next week's Lawyers Weekly for full story.)
An award new to 2009 is the Heritage award, which was won by Uncle Dan's slab hut at Tyrrell's Vineyard. This inaugural award acknowledges landmarks or items of historical importance that have influenced the course of, or made a significant contribution to, the Hunter Valley wine industry.
Five generations of Tyrrell's Winemakers can be traced back to Uncle Dan's slab hut. It was home to Edward Tyrrell who settled on the property in 1858 and has been preserved on the winery's estate.
- Wendy Beecroft
