By Amy Looker
The Hunter Valley wine industry awarded its best last night (May 27) at the fourth annual Hunter Valley Legends and Wine Industry Awards.
Held at Tempus Two’s Barrel Room, the awards recognise the hard work of local Hunter winemaking industry, from winemakers to viticulturists and cellar door staff.
“This year we have put emphasis on winners not only excelling in each individual field, but we wanted to recognise their tireless work promoting the Hunter Valley wine region, and their efforts to continue the legacy of the Hunter Valley legends and pioneers,” said the award’s chairman, Iain Riggs.
“We are so very proud and honoured to have such a talented group of people representing the Hunter Valley and paving the way for the future in our region.”
The 2010 Hunter Valley Living Legend award went to Christopher Barnes in recognition of almost 40 years spent working in the Hunter Valley wine industry.
Brokenwood’s winemaker, PJ Charteris, won the Winemaker of the Year award, while Wandin Valley Estate’s Matt Burton won the Hunter Valley Rising Star of the Year gong.
Brett Keeping of Two Rivers took home the award for Viticulturist of the Year, and Brokenwood received further recognition for its cellar door facilities and staff, picking up the award for Cellar Door of the Year.