Australia’s largest wine promotion, Aussie Wine Month, was launched in the US by the Australian Women In Wine Awards in Chelsea, New York this week.
The awards acknowledge the work of women in the Australian wine community, and community leaders who champion equality and fairness for all sexes in the workplace.
The winners are:
Winemaker of the Year – sponsored by Tonnellerie Saint Martin
Vanya Cullen, Cullen Wines
Researcher / Innovator of the Year – sponsored by Angove Family Winemakers
Inca Lee, Vinehealth Australia
Champion of Diversity & Equality – sponsored by Australian Grape and Wine
John Davis, Pepper Tree Wines
Marketer of the Year – sponsored by denomination
Imogen Hayes, Handpicked Wines
Cellar Door Person of the Year – sponsored by Purple Giraffe
Ulrika Larsson, Clairault Streicker
Viticulturist of the Year – sponsored by Wine Australia
Sheridan Alm, Starrs Reach Vineyard
Owner / Operator of the Year – sponsored by WineWorks Australia
Sarah McDougall, Lake George Winery
Woman of Inspiration Award – sponsored by Irvine Wines
Angie Bradbury, Dig&Fish
Honorary Australian Women in Wine Award USA – co-sponsored by Wine Australia & the Victoria State Government.
Christina Pickard
Wine Australia CEO Andreas Clark said: “Wine Australia is delighted to support the Australian Women in Wine Awards that celebrate the achievements of many talented women from the Australian grape and wine community and it was wonderful to partner with the event in New York.”
The event was attended by nearly 40 Australian female wine producers, and the invitation only guest list also included an additional 100+ trade, media and dignitaries.
The awards – and the Fabulous Ladies’ Wine Society – were founded by Jane Thomson in 2015. Thomson is the Jane is also the drinks editor for Taste.com.au magazine and occasionally moonlights as national wine writer for News Corp.
For Thomson, the awards are about supporting and mentoring women, to share experiences, to encourage and inspire and highlight, where we see it, the need for change.
Handpicked Wines’ Global Marketing Manager, Imogen Hayes, won Marketer of the Year. Hayes said: “I’m honoured to be named Marketer of the Year. Handpicked is a non-traditional wine business, and creativity in everything we do is important to us – whether it’s being creative in winemaking, business or marketing.
“It is a truly innovative business that is not afraid to encourage new ideas within a collaborative and supportive team environment. Working with an amazing and hardworking team with leadership from William Dong makes me relish the challenges faced in my role and I love each and every day.”
