By Amy Looker – editor National Liquor News
The Hunter Valley wine industry came together last night for the Hunter Valley Legends and Wine Industry Awards in what turned out to be a family affair.
Almost 200 guests gathered at Cypress Lakes Resort to celebrate the people behind Australia's oldest wine region, with the awards spanning seven categories, including the Hunter Valley Wine Industry Living Legend and the newly introduced Hunter Valley Wine Industry Award for Excellence, which will only be awarded in exceptional circumstances.
Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association (HVWIA) president, Andrew Margan, said the awards maintain the Hunter Valley's standing as a world-class region by recognising the people who make such a valued contribution to the industry.
"The short-list of finalists was exceptional and they should all be congratulated. Our region is well known because of the passion these individuals have for the profession," said Margan.
The prestigious Hunter Valley Wine Industry Living Legend gong was awarded to Ian Scarborough, who arrived in the Hunter in 1973 to work for Tulloch and then went on to establish Scarborough Wine Co in 1987.
In a massive win for the family, daughter, Sally Scarborough, took home the Rising Star of the Year award for her work across the family business.
Peter Hall from McGuigan Wines won the award for Winemaker of the Year, while another father/daughter duo, Keith and Katrina Barry from Brokenwood Wines, were awarded Viticulturist of the Year.
Cellar Door of the Year went to Margan Family Wines, while Halls Cottage took home the Hunter Valley Heritage Awards.
In a first for the awards, the Hunter Valley Wine Industry Award for Excellence went to Ian Napier and Stewart Ewen for their campaign to promote the Hunter Valley and protect it from further mining exploitation.