The Port Melbourne distillery was named the winner of the Tourism, Winery, Distillery and Brewery category at the 2021 Victorian Tourism Awards.
For more than 30 years, the Victorian Tourism Awards have annually recognised the Garden State’s leaders in tourism excellence.
Starward’s win in the Tourism, Winery, Distillery and Brewery category was announced at a Gala Ceremony in Melbourne Town Hall last week.
Upon winning the award, Starward’s Experience Manager, Patty Karakostas, said: “This win brings a welcomed opportunity to highlight the variety that Melbourne has to offer.”
“You only have to be a stone’s throw from the city to get good whisky at its source. Our team in Port Melbourne, from the distillers to the experience team, everyone here has truly gone above and beyond to transform Starward into what it is today.”
“We are incredibly proud of the entire team for achieving this exciting accolade.”
The awards are hosted by the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, and judged by a panel of tourism industry experts.
The win will come as a welcome salve to Starward, who (like many Melbourne-based attractions) have endured a bruising couple of years.
As a winner in the Victorian Tourism Awards, Starward will automatically qualify as finalists for the QANTAS Australian Tourism Awards, which will be announced in March 2022.