Peter Gago (pictured) has been named the Gourmet Traveller Wine Winemaker of the Year 2014, with the Penfolds chief winemaker also picking up the Len Evans Award.
Gourmet Traveller Wine editor Judy Sarris said Gago was the first person to be honoured with both the Winemaker of the Year Award and the Len Evans Award for leadership in the 17-year history of the awards.
Chairman of Judges Peter Forrestal commented: "Not only is Peter Gago an inspirational winemaker, but his tireless efforts worldwide as a roving brand ambassador have transformed his importance to Penfolds and broadened our perception of the kinds of leadership a winemaker can offer."
Len Evans' daughter, Sally Evans was on hand to present the award named in honour of her father, while GT Wine editor Judy Sarris and Perpetual’s CEO Geoff Lloyd presented the awards to Peter Gago and the other seven finalists as well as the Young Winemaker Medal and the Perpetual Award for Viticulture.
The medal for Young Winemaker of the Year 2014 went to Gwyn Olsen (pictured), chief winemaker at Briar Ridge based in the Hunter Valley, NSW.
“Gwyn Olsen is the 14th winner of the Young Winemaker Medal. It is an award which places the spotlight on the coming generation. The alumni are a diverse group who have an increasing influence on the Australian wine industry," said chairman of judges Peter Forrestal.
The Perpetual Viticulturist of the Year Award for 2014 went to the Chalmers family, who are almost single-handedly responsible for the introduction and growth of indigenous Italian grape varieties suited to the Australian climate.
"The Chalmers family has contributed an enormous amount to warm-climate viticulture, to the cause of alternative grape varieties, to the diversity of Australian wine and to their fellow grape growers,” said judge Huon Hooke.
The Gourmet Traveller WINE Winemaker of the Year 2014 award was judged by a panel of the magazine’s contributors: Huon Hooke, Andrew Caillard MW, Nick Bulleid MW, Peter Bourne, Sophie Otton, Mike Bennie, and Peter Forrestal (chairman of judges).