Some of Victoria's most established winemakers have been in the spotlight at this year's Victorian Wine Show, showcasing the best wine on offer from across the state.
Premier Jacinta Allan joined Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence and Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Nick Staikos in celebrating the winners of the Premier's Trophy and the Premier's Choice Award.
A panel of industry experts including winemakers and sommeliers awarded the prestigious Premier's Trophy to a 2022 Oakdene Liz's Chardonnay. Oakdene is a boutique, family-owned vineyard on the Bellarine Peninsula near Geelong and was among the finalists at the 2023 Victorian Wine Show.
Launched in 2017, the Premier's Trophy aims to showcase the finest local wines and promote Victoria's diverse wine regions.
The Premier awarded her personal favorite among the finalists, selecting 2017 Midhill Blanc de Blancas the recipient of the Premier's Choice Award, the wine was produced by Midhill at their Macedon Ranges Vineyard.
A 2022 De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate Sangiovese from the De Bortoli Shelley's Vineyard took home the international award. This wine was chosen by a Japanese judge and was featured at Tokyo FoodEx in March 2024 - Tokyo's premier food and beverage expo - with the support of the government.
Wine is an integral part of Victoria's regional economy, providing jobs at wineries, vineyards, and cellar doors while serving as a popular tourist attraction.
The Government is working with industry representatives to develop a new Wine Strategy to help shape the future of the industry. Consultation will begin via EngageVic in July, supported by a series of focused, regional forums.
For more information about the Victorian Wine Strategy, visit the agriculture.vic.gov.au.
For more information about Victoria's wine industry, visit winevictoria.org.au.
Quote As put by Premier Jacinta Allan
"Victoria has a vibrant, diverse and prestigious wine industry and is a vital part of our regional economy, I congratulate all the producers from this year's awards and encourage all Victorians to visit our wine regions."
Quote As put by Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
"Victoria is proud to be home to some of the world's most prestigious winemakers, and these awards aim to showcase their talent while highlighting the vibrancy and diversity of our local wine industry."
As stated by Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Nick Staikos
"From the Mornington Peninsula to the Murray-Darling, our wine industry spans 21 diverse regions, we are collaborating with the industry to chart the best path forward to ensure it is preserved for generations to come."
