By Deborah Jackson, editor National Liquor News
Two weeks remain to cast nominations for the Australian Women in Wine Awards hosted by the Fabulous Ladies Wine Society.
The Winemakers’ Federation of Australia has joined with the Fabulous Ladies Wine Society to urge people across the country to submit their nominations.
More than 100 women have already been nominated, with entries closing at midnight on Tuesday 6 October and winners announced on Tuesday 17 November.
WFA CEO Paul Evans said the Federation is delighted to support the Women in Wine Awards.
“Women are a big part of driving our industry forward in innovation, marketing and every other aspect of the wine supply chain so it’s time to turn the spotlight on their many achievements and I applaud The Fabulous Ladies’ Wine Society and the Members of the Board of the Australian Women in Wine Awards for running this awards program,” he said.
“Whether you grow grapes, make wine, own or operate a wine-related business, or you are a bit of a champion in the workplace, there’s still time to put your name forward or encourage someone else to nominate and receive some well-deserved public recognition.”
The awards are the brainchild of Jane Thomson, founder of The Fabulous Ladies’ Wine Society, and this is the award program’s inaugural year.
Thomson said there was a positive buzz around the awards which has superseded expectations.
“We can’t just ride the wave of good feeling for ever – there are less than two weeks left before entries close so we want to do everything in our power to ensure as many fabulous women in wine and their champions enter,” she said.
“Sometimes the most talented and hardworking people are the last ones to put themselves forward so if you know a fabulous lady of Australian wine who deserves recognition, tap her on the shoulder and encourage her to apply.”
The awards offer four categories which will be judged by six members of an Advisory Board that is made up of some of the industry’s leading female talent.
This year’s categories are:
- Winemaker of the Year
- Viticulturist of the Year
- Owner/Operator of the Year
- Workplace Champion of Change