The finalists in the third annual Hunter Valley Wine Industry Awards have been announced, with the presentation evening to be held at Wyndham Estate on May 28.
Designed to recognise and honour those who have made major contributions and excelled within the region, the awards cover a range of categories.
These include Winemaker of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, Viticulturist of the Year and Cellar Door of the Year, with the new Heritage Award also to be launched this year.
This will acknowledge landmarks or items of historical importance that have played a significant role in the Hunter’s wine industry.
The big event will also see a living Hunter Valley Wine Industry Legend inducted into the select and prestigious group that includes the likes of Brian McGuigan, Max Drayton and the late Max Lake, who passed away just this week.
Nominations are put forward for the awards, with a committee chaired by Iain Riggs and this year joined by wine writer Campbell Mattinson.
The finalists are:
WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR
-PJ Charteris – Brokenwood Wines
-Jim Chatto – Pepper Tree Wines
-Usher Tinkler – Pooles Rock
RISING STAR OF THE YEAR
-Matt Burton – Wandin Valley Estate
-Sarah Crowe – Brokenwood Wines
-Nick Patterson – Chateau Pato/Mistletoe Wines
VITICULTURIST OF THE YEAR
-Ian Tinkler – Tinklers Vineyard
-Rod Windrim – Krinklewood Wines
-Liz Riley – Vitibit
CELLAR DOOR OF THE YEAR
-Brokenwood Wines
-Scarborough Wine co.
-Pepper Tree Wines