MEDIA RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FRIDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2023

Here’s to Excellence: Celebrating Hunter Valley wines
2023 PKF Hunter Valley Wine Show Trophy Winners

Judging of 541 entries from 66 exhibitors at the 51st Hunter Valley Wine Show, sponsored by PKF, concluded on Wednesday 30 August. Continuing its over 40-year partnership with the Singleton Army Base, the judging was once again held at the Lone Pine Barracks. This year’s trophy winners’ luncheon was celebrated today at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort with 350 industry and special guests in attendance.

Sam Connew, Winemaker/Director at Stargazer Wines, returned for the second year as Chair of Judges. Sam led a team of 18 local and visiting judges, including visiting International Judge, Jane Skilton MW, who collectively awarded 58 gold medals and 22 trophies. This year saw 12 exhibitors awarded trophies, reflecting the breadth of quality wines on show.

Congratulations to Bimbadgen, Charteris Wines, De Iuliis Wines, First Creek Wines, Margan Wines, Mercer Wines, Scarborough Wine Co, Silkman Wines, Sweetwater Estate, Thomas Wines, Tinklers Wines and Tyrrell’s on their Trophy awards.

The judging panel featured three female Masters of Wine, of only 149 female Masters of Wine worldwide and 7 in Australia. Andrea Pritzker MW, Director Wine inTuition and Toni Paterson MW brought their significant expertise, with Jane, to the judging panel. Jane began her wine career in London gaining the WSET Diploma in 1988 and becoming a Master of Wine in 1993. In 2004 she founded the NZ School of Wines and Spirits, NZ’s leading provider of WSET qualifications to trade and consumers and has judged at shows across Australia and in Shanghai, Chengdu, Beijing, and London.

Jane commented: “I love judging regional shows as it gives you such a good overview of what is happening in the region, and you learn as you go along. I feel honoured to be in the Hunter Valley and I’ve been amazed by the uniform high quality of wines. The quality of the chardonnay was great, and the alternative varieties showed great possibilities as emerging winemakers trying something new.”

The George Wyndham Memorial Trophy for Best current and one-year-old Chardonnay was awarded to Charteris Wines for its 2022 Pokolbin Select Chardonnay and the Henry John Lindeman Memorial Trophy for Best two-year-old and older Chardonnay to Scarborough Wine Co for its 2021 ‘Keepers of the Flame’ Chardonnay.

Reflecting on the results, Sam said “The long-standing established history and tradition of both the show and region makes the Hunter Valley Wine Show special. There is no other region in Australia or worldwide that does Semillon to the standard of the Hunter Valley. The stronger vintages always come to the fore, so it was good to see the 2023 Semillons show really solid results. The older Semillon classes are always such a treat and a privilege to judge, plus the Wines of Provenance class showed some extraordinary wines.

The Len Evans Trophy for Best Single Vineyard White Wine saw Bimbadgen win for its 2014 Signature Palmers Lane Semillon. This year’s Marshall – Flannery Trophy for Best current Semillon was awarded to First Creek Wines for its 2023 Classic Semillon. First Creek Wines’ Reserve Semillon was also the recipient of the Iain Riggs Wine of Provenance for its 2014, 2017 and 2023 vintages.

Sam added: ‘The thing that people don’t talk about enough is the quality of the red wines from the Hunter Valley, that just standout as glorious medium bodied wines.”

The Doug Seabrook Memorial Trophy for Best Red Wine of the Show was awarded to Margan Wines for its 2019 Fordwich Hill Shiraz, which was awarded 4 trophies, also winning the Hector Tulloch Memorial Trophy for Best Shiraz, James Busby Memorial Trophy for Best Mature Three-Year Old and Older Shiraz and the Len Evans Trophy for Best Single Vineyard Red Wine.

The Petrie-Drinan Trophy for Best White Wine of the Show was awarded to Tyrrell’s for its 2013 Vat 1 Semillon, which also won the McGuigan Family Trophy for Best Two-Year-Old and older Semillon and the Tyrrell Family Trophy for Best Museum White Wine.

This year saw the introduction of a new trophy to celebrate the smaller, new and emerging wine brands in the Hunter Valley. The antique wine show trophy, which was purchased at auction, details an award presented at the 1870 Hunter River Horticultural & Agricultural Association wine show, which was awarded to Messrs JF & J Doyle, Kaloudah, for the best 12 bottles of wine, not more than 3 years old, grown in the valley of the Hunter.

This piece of Hunter Valley history was presented as the Kaloudah Trophy for Best Wine from a Small Producer to Tinklers Wines for its 2019 Reserve Semillon.

The John Lewis Newcastle Herald Trophy for Best Museum Red Wine saw De Iuliis Wines take the trophy for their 2014 Limited Release Shiraz. John Lewis was also recognised for his ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Hunter Valley Wine Industry’.

John’s unexpected transformation from a rugby-playing journalist into a renowned wine writer began in 1976 when he introduced a column named Trencherman covering food and wine in the Newcastle Sun newspaper. Lewis' interest in wine stemmed from a creme de menthe hangover, which led to his preference for white wine. He now evaluates roughly 500 wines yearly for his columns in the Newcastle Herald, receiving about 31 dozen wine samples weekly. Despite not intending to become a wine writer, he has formed strong connections with Hunter Valley winemakers who were today proud to recognise John for his outstanding contribution.

Also awarded on the day by the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association were two industry scholarships.  The 2023 Tyrrell Family Advanced Viticulture Scholarship was awarded to Lacey Agate, Assistant Vineyard Manager at Agnew Wines and the 2023 Alasdair Sutherland Scholarship to Hayden Tinkler, Vintage Winemaker at Brokenwood Wines. These scholarships have emerged as a catalyst for fostering growth within the Hunter Valley. "These initiatives not only support individuals' aspirations but also inject fresh perspectives and innovative ideas into our viticulture and winemaking practices." commented Jennie Curran, CEO of the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association.

2023 PKF Hunter Valley Wine Show Trophy Winners

Marshall - Flannery Trophy

Best Current Semillon (Class 1), Trophy Sponsor – Winequip

Winner: First Creek Wines 2023 Classic Semillon (Entry 1-6)

 

Ed Jouault Memorial Trophy

Best One-Year-Old Dry Semillon (Class 2)

Winner: Silkman Wines 2022 Reserve Semillon (Entry 2-47)

 

McGuigan Family Trophy

Best Two-Year–Old and older Semillon (Class 3), Roll of Honour Sponsor - McGuigan Family

Winner: Tyrrell’s Vineyards 2013 Vat 1 Semillon (Entry 3–52)

 

George Wyndham Memorial Trophy

Best Current and One-Year-Old Chardonnay (Classes 4 & 5), Trophy Sponsor – Laffort

Winner: Charteris Wines 2022 Pokolbin Selection Chardonnay (Entry 5-63)

 

Henry John Lindeman Memorial Trophy

Best Two–Year-Old and Older Chardonnay (Class 6), Trophy Sponsor – Jurds Real Estate

Winner: Scarborough Wine Co 2021"Keepers of the Flame” Chardonnay (Entry 6-16)

 

J.Y. (Jay) Tulloch Trophy

Best Verdelho (Class 7)

Winner: First Creek Wines 2023 Classic Verdelho (Entry 7- 12)

 

Murray Tyrrell Chardonnay Trophy

Best Chardonnay, Trophy Sponsor – MCC- Premium Label Solutions, Roll of Honour Sponsor – Tyrrell’s Vineyards Pty Ltd

Winner: Charteris Wines 2022 Pokolbin Selection Chardonnay (Entry 5 - 63)

 

Rosé Trophy

Best Rosé of Show (Class 14), Trophy Sponsor – Singleton Diggers

Winner: De Iuliis Wines 2023 Rose Merlot Shiraz (Entry 14-9)

 

John Lewis Newcastle Herald Trophy

Best Museum Red Wine (Class 25)

Winner: De Iuliis Wines 2014 Limited Release Shiraz (Entry 25-7)

 

Tyrrell Family Trophy

Best Museum White Wine Sponsor – Riedel (RSN Australia), Roll of Honour Sponsor – Tyrrell’s Vineyards Pty Ltd

Winner: Tyrrell’s Vineyards 2013 Belford Semillon (Entry 24–6)

 

Lone Pine Barracks Officers Mess Silver Bullet

Winner: Mercer Wines 2023 Shiraz Nouveau (Entry 18-2)

 

Alexander Munro Memorial Trophy

Best Current Vintage and One Year Old Shiraz (Classes 15& 18), Trophy Sponsor – Mercurey Australia

Winner: Sweetwater Estate 2022 Shiraz (Entry 15- 46)

 

Elliott Family Trophy

Best Two-Year-Old Shiraz (Class 16), Trophy Sponsor – Hahn Corporation

Winner: Thomas Wines 2021 Sweetwater Shiraz (Entry 16-11)

 

James Busby Memorial Trophy

Best Mature Three-Year-Old and Older Shiraz (Class 17), Trophy Sponsor – Jenkins Legal Services

Winner: Margan 2019 Fordwich Hill Shiraz (Entry 17-9)

 

Drayton Family Trophy

Best Semillon, Roll of Honour Sponsor – Drayton’s Family Wines

Winner: Tyrrells Vineyards 2013 Vat 1 Semillon (Entry 3-52)

 

Hector Tulloch Memorial Trophy

Best Shiraz, Roll of Honour Sponsor – Tulloch Wines; Trophy Sponsor – Seguin Moreau

Winner: Margan 2019 Fordwich Hill Shiraz (Entry 17-9)

 

Kaloudah Trophy

Best Wine from a Small Producer, Sponsor – Thomas Wines

Winner: Tinklers Wines 2019 Reserve Semillon (Entry 3-12)

 

Len Evans Trophy

Best Single Vineyard White Wine, Sponsor – Insight Wealth Planning

Winner: Bimbadgen 2014 Signature Palmers Lane Semillon (Entry 3-48)

 

Len Evans Trophy

Best Single Vineyard Red Wine, Sponsor – Insight Wealth Planning

Winner: Margan 2019 Fordwich Hill Shiraz (Entry 17–9)

 

Iain Riggs Wine of Provenance

Provenance Sponsor – CCL (Classes 26, 27)

Winner: First Creek Wines Winemakers Reserve Semillon 2014,2017,2023

 

Petrie-Drinan Trophy

Best White Wine of the Show, Sponsor – PKF

Winner: Tyrrell’s Vineyards 2013 Vat 1 Semillon (Entry 3 –52)

 

Doug Seabrook Memorial Trophy

Best Red Wine of the Show, Sponsor – PKF

Winner: Margan 2019 Fordwich Hill Shiraz (Entry 17-9)

For all media enquiries, please contact Julia Moore This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |0458 228 526

Click here for images.

-ENDS-

Notes:

About the Hunter Valley Wine Show

In 1847, the ‘first-formed vineyard association in the colony’, the Hunter River Vineyard Association, was established to foster a healthy spirit of openness, collaborative self-education, disciplined experimentation and industry organisation. It set a precedent for subsequent Australian wine associations, which have continued to influence the production and commerce of Australian wine.

The Hunter River Vineyard Association held their first wine show judging in 1847 as part of the Hunter River Agricultural Society in Maitland. It was the first regional wine show to be held in Australia and continued intermittently until 1963.

The show in its current form, as a sustainable regional wine competition started on 15 April 1973 at Singleton’s Northern Agricultural Association Showground. Since 1980 the show has been held at the Singleton Lone Pine Barracks marking the start of a long and mutually beneficial community partnership with the Australian Army. 

Stay in and experience the luxury of these in-house services that come to you in the comfort of your accommodation.

responsible and sustainable tourism

Responsible and sustainable tourism is everyone's responsibility, we want to encourage our visitors to take care of our wonderful and sacred region. 

1. Ensure our region is a better place for people to live in and better place for people to visit. Now and for future generations.
2. Operators, hoteliers, wineries, restaurateurs, attractions, local people and visitors alike, all taking responsibility and actions to make the Hunter Valley more sustainable. 
   1. Our vignerons support Sustainable Winegrowing Australia: the national program that helps grape-growers and winemakers demonstrate and continuously improve their sustainability in the vineyard and winery by focusing on the environmental, social and economic aspects of their businesses.
   2. Reducing energy consumption: large solar farms are a feature of our region, they provide significant savings in our region’s greenhouse emissions (tonnes CO2)
   3. Reducing water consumption: most businesses in wine country are not connected to town water. This means water must be harvested and collected in dams for irrigation and everyday use.
   4. Reducing waste:  
      1. Most businesses in Wine Country manage their own wastewater as there is no town sewer.  Water is recycled as irrigation water for vineyards and gardens.
      2. The region has a highly effective program for recycling all of the general waste like paper, plastics + glass are all separated in order to avoid disposal as landfill. 
3. The attitude, you the visitor takes and the choices you make. Choosing to respect and benefit the local people, their cultures, economies and the environment. This could include, but is not exclusive to the following communities: LGBTIQA+, Indigenous and people living with a disability.

 

We encourage visitors to

 

Competition now closed. 

WIN TWO Premium 6-Packs of Hunter Valley Wines – For You and your BFF!

Hey besties, get ready to uncork the good times! Thanks to our friends at Wine Selectors, you and your BFF could enjoy a premium six-pack of Hunter Valley wines valued at $216 each!

Packed with legendary drops from some of the most renowned Hunter Valley producers like De Iuliis, Mount Pleasant, Tyrrell’s, and more, this is the perfect prize to share with your wine partner in crime.

Whether you’re sipping during a cosy night in or celebrating life’s little wins, these wines are perfect for sharing and making wonderful memories with your bestie from the comfort of your home.

What are you waiting for? Get in quick for your chance to win!

Terms and Conditions

Conditions apply go to www.wineselectors.com.au for full T&Cs. Promotion commences on 01/05/2025 and final entries close at 11:59pm AEDST on 03/06/2025. Prize drawn 12/06/2025. Winner will receive two (2) 6-packs of premium Hunter Valley wines (each 6-pack contains 1 x David Hook Pecorino 2023, 1 x De Iuliis Semillon 2023, 1 x Margan Merlot Shiraz 2023, 1 x Mount Pleasant High Paddock Shiraz 2019, 1 x Silkman Chardonnay 2023, and 1 x Tyrrell's Special Release Shiraz Pinot Noir 2021, valued at $216 each. Total Prize Draw is valued at $432.. Promoter: Australian Wine Selectors Pty Ltd (ABN 64 056 402 772) of 1 Wright Lane, Honeysuckle, Newcastle NSW 2300. Tickets are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash or used on alternative date if the winner cannot attend. By providing your contact details, you agree to receive marketing information about products and services from Wine Selectors (and associated partners) until you have not opted in to do so or advise us otherwise by contacting Customer Service on 1300 303 307 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Read full Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

By entering the Promotion, entrants also agree for their PI to be shared with Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association for administering the prize and marketing purposes. Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association will use and handle your personal information in accordance with its privacy policy which can be found at https://www.winecountry.com.au/privacy-policy