The Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) has awarded South Australian winery Wynns Coonawarra Estate’s Ben Harris with 2021 Viticulturist of the Year and announced senior winemaker Sue Hodder as a fellow of the organisation.
Having joined the company in 2010 as its vineyard manager, Wynns also announced Harris will be its new viticulture team manager, replacing recently retired Allen Jenkins who had led the winery for 20 years.
2021 ASVO Viticulturist of the Year advisory committee chair Colin Bell said Harris was one of the most highly regarded viticulturists.
“Technical projects like data-based harvest predictions, virus elimination, and robotics make Ben’s contribution highly relevant and essential to the industry. What really stood out was his commitment, integrity, and contribution outside of his role and his great ASVO values and leadership style,” said Bell.
Harris was also selected in September to participate as a 2022 Len Evans tutorial scholar and said the ASVO award was a career highlight.
“The ASVO plays an important role within the Australian wine community, promoting the best R&D, innovation and assisting the extension of research into practice,” he said.
Sue Hodder was announced as a fellow of the ASVO in recognition of her contribution to the grape and wine industry as well as the ASVO.
In 2016, Hodder received AVSO’s Winemaker of the Year with Sarah Pigeon. In 2010 she was appointed Gourmet Traveller Winemaker of the Year.
ASVO president and chair of the fellow selection committee Brooke Howell said this year’s selection process was difficult due to the calibre of the candidates.
“The wisdom that Sue encapsulates is extraordinary as is the diversity of her background and experience. She is a quiet achiever, often putting others before her. She is still very active in the industry and for ASVO and has contributed across both winemaking and viticulture,” said Howell.
Celebrating her 30th vintage next year, Hodder said she was honoured to be a fellow of the society and was looking forward to working with Harris.
