By Amy Looker – editor, National Liquor News
Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago added to his list of significant accolades last night, after being named a Baron of the Barossa.
Established in 1975, the Barons of the Barossa is an exclusive fraternity with members who support Barossa wine, viticulture, gastronomy, heritage and the arts. Membership is only open to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the Barossa Valley region, with Gago saying he is incredibly proud to be inducted as a Baron.
“Last night was a wonderful celebration with guests travelling from around the country and internationally to witness what the Barossa does best. The evening had colour, pageantry – and not forgetting, some truly fantastic wines,” Gago told TheShout.
“In the footsteps of Jeffrey Penfold-Hyland, Max Schubert, Dr Ray Beckwith and John Duval from the Penfolds stable, I'm delighted to be welcomed into this proud fraternity, who support and champion the very best that the Barossa Valley has to offer."
The honour comes after Gago was recently named Gourmet Traveller WINE's 2014 Winemaker of the Year and also received the Len Evans Award for Leadership, making him the first recipient to receive both accolades.