Sustainability and innovation as well as growing great wine have been the focus of this year’s Top 50 Vineyard of the Year Awards. The awards, launched only last year, are designed to put the 6000 grape growers in Australia at the heart of the Australian wine story and community.
The 50 finalists included 20 from South Australia, 11 from Victoria, eight from New South Wales/ACT, seven from Tasmania and four from Western Australia.
The judges this year were Dr Catherine Kidman, Mark Walpole, Dr Mary Retallack, Lee Haselgrove, and Max Allen.
“There’s so much great work being done in vineyards across the country and wine drinkers still don't hear about it often enough,” Allen said.
The Top 50 are the source of some of the country’s best wines and is testament to the strength of Australia’s grape-growing community, he said.
For Retallack it is in the vineyard that the magic happens.
“This is our opportunity to celebrate the innovative and regenerative approaches being taken to produce exceptional grape quality, which is reflected in stunning wines while nurturing the soil, vines and landscapes with an ecological focus.
“The wine community relies on the commitment and inspiration that starts in the vineyard. We have a lot to be thankful for and celebrate!” Retallack said.
Allen said the panel were struck by the focus and commitment of so many growers across Australia.
“Whether it’s focusing on capturing subtle terroir differences across a larger block of vines or responding to the challenges of climate change; whether it’s establishing a visionary new vineyard or maintaining the health and viability of century-old vines; whether it’s applying the latest technology or re-introducing ancient grape-farming methods, there are many inspirational stories out there,” he said.
In February, four trophies will be awarded to vineyards in the Top 50. Last year’s Vineyard of the Year was Lee Haselgrove from Swinney Vineyard. He said it was inspiring to see the energy and efforts of top growers.
“Seeing such a combination of practices being undertaken in the pursuit of producing complex and engaging wines – via diversity in clones, soils, sites, and planting densities is inspiring.
“Organic farming is no longer niche and some of the new vineyards are absolutely inspiring,” Haselgrove said.
Retallack added it was possible and mutually compatible processes to grow amazing quality fruit while nurturing the land.
“Consumers are increasingly interested to learn about ways we are demonstrating environmental stewardship. We are well placed to share these insights and stories with our customers – the proof is in the bottle. The VOTY finalists are leading the way and the future of wine growing is truly exciting,” she said.
More information about the 2021 Vineyard of the Year Awards, including the Top 50, can be seen here.
