Trailblazers of the Hunter Valley have been recognised at the 18th annual legends awards, which took place at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley earlier this week.
Over 330 guests from across the wine and tourism industries gathered to celebrate the region’s most respected leaders, innovators and rising stars.
Chris Tyrrell, President of the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association said the occasion holds deep significance for the region on multiple levels.
“These awards not only honour the legends of our industry—they also highlight the talent, resilience and forward thinking that defines the Hunter Valley today,” he said.
Several awards were handed out in categories including Riedel Hunter Valley Young Achiever of the Year, Jurds Hunter Valley Viticulturist of the Year, Wine Selectors Hunter Valley Cellar Door of the Year and First Creek Winemaking Services Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year, among others.
A standout winner this year was Liz Silkman who made history as the first person ever to win the Hunter Valley Legends Winemaker of the Year title four times.
Already the only Hunter Valley winemaker to ever be named Halliday Wine Companion Winemaker of the Year, Silkman’s latest triumph underpins her reputation as one of Australia’s leading winemakers.
Two more standout wins came from husband and wife, Andrew and Lisa Margan, who were inducted as this year’s Wine Living Legend and Tourism Living Legend respectively.
Andrew was inducted in recognition of his long-standing commitment to securing the Hunter Valley’s place among the world’s great wine regions.
While Lisa was inducted for more than 30 years of dedication to the Hunter Valley’s food, wine and hospitality scene, playing a key role in supporting countless initiatives and enriching the local community.
Iain Riggs AM, Chair of the Living Legends acknowledge the significant contributions of the couple to the region.
“Andrew Margan is a true Hunter Valley Wine Living Legend for his tireless work in the promotion of the Hunter Valley, for tackling the wine industry’s political foes head-on and for an undying belief in the oldest continuous wine region in Australia,” he said.
“Lisa’s resume is a blueprint for anyone with a desire to make the Hunter Valley a must go to destination. The word passion, along with dedication, can often be overused, but in the case of the 2025 Hunter Valley Tourism Living Legend, both sit comfortably with a very worthy recipient, Lisa Margan”.
See the full list of winners below:
Riedel Hunter Valley Young Achiever of the Year: Alisdair Tulloch, Keith Tulloch Wine & Aeon Wines
PKF Hunter Valley Tourism Operator of the Year: Our Italian Table
Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association Hunter Valley Accommodation Operator of the Year: Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
Jurds Hunter Valley Viticulturist of the Year: Louise Eather, Tyrrell’s
Wine Selectors Hunter Valley Cellar Door of the Year: Brokenwood Wines
First Creek Winemaking Services Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year: Liz Silkman, First Creek & Silkman Wines
Hunter Valley Tourism Industry Living Legend: Lisa Margan
Hunter Valley Wine Industry Living Legend: Andrew Margan