Winemaker of the Year Selection Criteria

This award recognises an outstanding year of achievement by a winemaker(s)*. These achievements must be clearly demonstrated to have enhanced and helped to promote the Hunter Valley Wine Industry as a whole and need to be a result of clearly described influences, practises and processes attributed to that winemaker. This award is for achievements over the period of 2024 and will assess: 

• Winemaking success over the last 12 months and how that success has been verified.
• How your winemaking has contributed to your achievements including details about your techniques, experimentation and individual style.
• Innovative practices and sustainability initiatives used in your winemaking or wine business.
• Ambassadorial work on behalf of the Hunter Valley in the last 12 months. 
• The HVWTA Board can elect to nominate any winemaker who was directly responsible for making a Hunter Valley wine that was awarded a gold medal in a major capital wine show, Hunter Valley Wine Show, or NSW Wine Awards in the preceding 12 months, and if that person still remains employed by the company who produced that wine.

* Please note you can nominate a person or persons - if nominating for more than one person, the persons must have the same job responsibilities.   

Nominees will be required to complete a questionnaire addressing the criteria which will then proceed to a selection panel and secret ballot.

NOMINATE HERE

Viticulturist of the Year Selection Criteria

An Award to an outstanding Viticulturist(s)* involved in the management of Hunter Valley vineyards. The Award recognises that any outstanding wine starts with good vineyard management resulting in quality grapes. The Viticulturist of the Year recognises, in particular, the previous calendar year's achievements with consideration to all previous achievements.

• An outstanding contribution over the preceding twelve months, showing results and achievements.
• Proven vineyard management skills that have resulted in the consistently high performance of the vineyard/s in their care i.e.. fruit quality, and fruit supply, which may have been recognised by awards or respected media coverage.
• Any research and development, trialing, or adoption of best practices, and new and innovative vineyard management techniques to enhance vineyard production goals and sustainability.
• Any vineyard/s that have achieved single vineyard status in the care of the nominee.
• The HVWTA Board can elect to nominate any vineyard manager/contractor who was directly responsible for a vineyard, from which a Hunter Valley wine was awarded a gold medal in a major capital wine show, Hunter Valley Wine Show, or NSW Wine Awards in the preceding 12 months, and if that person still remains employed by the company who produced that wine.
• Please note, that we encourage the nomination of Vineyard Managers (which can include employees of a contractor).

* Please note you can nominate a person or persons - if nominating for more than one person, the persons must have the same job responsibilities.   

Nominees will be required to complete a questionnaire addressing the criteria which will then proceed to a selection panel and secret ballot.

NOMINATE HERE

Cellar Door of the Year Selection Criteria

The public perception and profile of our wine industry is influenced by experiences at our cellar doors. The award recognises excellence at a Hunter Valley cellar door. To be eligible for entry the cellar door must be open for visitation without an appointment and demonstrate:

• The discernible promotion of Hunter Valley wines.
• A range of educational experiences for customers.
• Cellar door staff must exhibit exemplary wine knowledge of the Hunter Valley, and the ability to sell the Hunter Valley brand.

Nominees will be judged by both external mystery shopper and by completing a short-written submission.

The Mystery Shop assesses guest experience focussing on;

• Customer Service, including welcome and over-friendliness, tasting experience, wine knowledge of staff, local knowledge, and positive referral to other cellar doors.
• External presentation of signage, entry, parking, landscaping, etc.
• Internal facilities including the layout of cellar door, amenities, tasting area, etc.
• Presentation of offerings, e.g. digital marketing strategy, upselling to include wine club and other direct marketing, dinners, and wine education classes.

The Mystery Shopper will award points across three main areas. These are:

• The Visit - the mystery shopper will visit your business to experience what you offer.
• The Online Presence - the mystery shopper will evaluate the effectiveness, consistency, and timeliness of your online presence.
• The Call - a phone call to your business to enquire about your product/offering and the Region.

The Written Submission will award points across:

• Customer Experience, Experience Development, Regional Promotion, and Responsible Practices. 

Tourism Operator of the Year criteria

The public perception and profile of the Hunter Valley is influenced by the experiences our visitors get to enjoy. This award recognises excellence provided by a Hunter Valley Tourism Operator. To be eligible for entry the Tourism Operator must be open for visitation with or without an appointment or be a bookable experience (inc. online) and demonstrate:

• The discernible promotion of the Hunter Valley region.
• Active involvement in tourism industry activities and events.
• Tourism Operator staff must exhibit exemplary knowledge of the Hunter Valley, and the ability to sell the Hunter Valley brand.

Nominees will be judged by both external mystery shopper and by completing a short written submission.

The Mystery Shopper will award points across two main areas. These are: 

• The Online Presence - the mystery shopper will evaluate the effectiveness, consistency, and timeliness of your online presence.
• The Call - a phone call to your business to enquire about your product/ offering and the Region (welcome and overall friendliness, experience, local knowledge, and positive referral to other Hunter Valley businesses).

The written submission will award points across:

• Customer Experience, Responsible Tourism, Product Development, and Marketing/Promotion.

NOMINATE HERE

 Accommodation Operator of the Year criteria

The public perception and profile of the Hunter Valley is influenced by the experiences our visitors get to enjoy. This award recognises excellence provided by a Hunter Valley Tourism Accommodation Operator. To be eligible for entry the Tourism Accommodation Operator must be open for visitation with or without an appointment or be a bookable experience (inc. online) and demonstrate:

• The discernible promotion of the Hunter Valley region.
• Active involvement in tourism industry activities and events.
• Tourism Accommodation Operator staff must exhibit exemplary knowledge of the Hunter Valley, and the ability to sell the Hunter Valley brand.

Nominees will be judged by both external mystery shopper and by completing a short written submission.

The Mystery Shopper will award points across two main areas. These are: 

• The Online Presence - the mystery shopper will evaluate the effectiveness, consistency, and timeliness of your online presence.
• The Call - a phone call to your business to enquire about your product/ offering and the Region (welcome and overall friendliness, experience, local knowledge, and positive referral to other Hunter Valley businesses).

The written submission will award points across:

• Customer Experience, Responsible Tourism, Product Development, and Marketing/Promotion.

NOMINATE HERE

Young Achiever of the Year criteria

This award recognises an individual, less than 35 years of age, working in a Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism business and their contribution to the development of a vibrant and professional tourism industry.

This award recognises an aspiring star of the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Industries. This person may be involved in hospitality, winemaking, vineyard management, marketing, or sales. This award is for achievements over the period of 2024.

• An outstanding contribution over the preceding twelve months, showing results and achievements.
• Above average representation or achievement of results for the nominee’s employer.
• Representation of the Hunter Valley Wine Industry & Tourism generally, resulting in raising the profile of the Hunter Valley through cellar door sales, and/or management of your wine club, management of your accommodation or restaurant, and marketing/PR expertise.
• In the case of less than 4 nominations being received for this category in any one year, the HVWTA Board can elect to nominate for this award any individual or group who fulfills all the above criteria.

Nominees can only be nominated for one awards category. This award will not be awarded to the same person twice.

NOMINATE HERE

Individual Nominees can only be nominated for one awards category.