Now in its 25th year, the WINE magazine Winemaker of the Year Awards celebrates the pinnacle of Australia’s ever-impressive winemaking community. As well as paying tribute to our winners, we also acknowledge chairman of judges Peter Forrestal, who was responsible for introducing the awards a quarter of a century ago. He has continued to oversee the judging process, this year, alongside two long-serving members of our panel Peter Bourne (23 years) and Nick Bulleid MW (21 years), as well as Toni Paterson MW and Sophie Otton.
This year the panel have recognised Adam Wadewitz of Shaw + Smith as the deserving winner of Winemaker of the Year. Nadja Wallington of ChaLou is our inspirational Young Winemaker of the Year. Viticulturist of the Year is awarded to Liz Riley, best known for her work in NSW vineyards, especially in the Hunter Valley. Finally, the legendary Dr Andrew Pirie AM has been recognised for his tireless work for the wine industry, winning the Len Evans Award for Leadership. We raise a glass to them all.
