A Legendary Line Up
2015 Hunter Valley Legends Award Finalists Announced
The much anticipated line up of finalists for the annual Hunter Valley Legends Awards has been announced.
Now in its ninth year, the awards, which have resumed their original title of ‘Hunter Valley Legends Awards’, is a celebration that recognises the outstanding achievements of those in the region who have made major contributions and excelled within the Hunter Valley wine & tourism industries.
This year’s gala event will be held at Brokenwood Wines on Thursday May 28, 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):
Gwyn Olsen, Briar Ridge Vineyard
Liz Jackson, First Creek Wines
Matt Burton, Gundog Estate
Michael De Iuliis, De Iuliis Wines
Rodney Kempe, Lakes Folly
Rising Star of the Year, sponsored by Riedel, recognises an aspiring star of the Hunter Valley wine & tourism industries. They can be involved in winemaking, vineyard management, marketing or sales and have made an outstanding contribution over the preceding 12 months, showing results and achievement.
Finalists (in alphabetical order):
Gwyn Olsen, Briar Ridge Vineyard
Rauri Donkin, Bimbadgen
Stuart Hordern, Brokenwood Wines
Troy & Megan Rhoades-Brown from Muse Restaurant & Muse Kitchen
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):
Andrew Margan, Margan Family Wines
Belinda Kelly, Tallavera Grove Vineyard – Davis premium vineyards
Paul Harvey, Mount Pleasant
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
De Iuliis Wines
McGuigan Wines
McLeish Estate
Pepper Tree Wines
Tyrrell’s Wines
The winners of each category are judged by a panel of past winners, industry leaders and guest media judge, Mike Bennie.
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. Kevin Sobels was honoured in 2014 and joined this prestigious group of Living Legends.
Tickets for the Hunter Valley’s night of nights are still available by contacting Melissa Romeyn at the Association’s office - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Thursday May 28, 2014, 6.30pm at Brokenwood Wines. Dress: black tie. Cost: $160pp (tables of 10 - $1550). Three-course meal & wine (until midnight), post-dinner Celebration Bar (until 1am).