2021 VITICULTURIST OF THE YEAR NOMINATION FORM

Nominations are now invited for the 2021 Viticulturist of the Year Award.

Nominations are invited from any Partner of the HVWTA. Once the selection panel has confirmed that the criteria for the Viticulturist of the Year Award has been met the finalists will proceed to a secret ballot. Each criteria has been weighted with a total score out of 100.

Viticulturist of the Year Selection Panel may be comprised of:

1. Chair of the Hunter Valley Legends Awards Working Group – (or Chair of the Wine Marketing Forum).
2. Chair of the Marketing & Events Stream (or other HVWTA committee member).
3. 2019 Viticulturist of the Year.
4. DPI / Hunter Local Landcare Services Representative.
5. Living Legend (appropriate to this field).

NB: The selection panel is to be convened by the HVWTA and there is to be no more than one representative per company per selection panel.

Criteria

An Award to an outstanding Viticulturist involved in the management of Hunter Valley vineyards. The Award recognises that any outstanding wine starts with good vineyard management resulting in quality grapes. The Viticulturist of the Year recognises in particular the performance of the viticulturist over the last few seasons, with consideration to all previous achievements.

• An outstanding contribution over the preceding twelve months, showing results and achievements.
• Proven vineyard management skills that have resulted in the consistent high performance of the vineyard/s in their care ie. fruit quality, fruit supply, which may have been recognised by awards or respected media coverage.
• Any research and development, trialling or adoption of best practice, new and innovative vineyard management techniques to enhance vineyard production goals and sustainability.
• Any vineyard/s that have achieved single vineyard status in the care of the nominee.
• The HVWTA can elect to nominate any vineyard manager / contractor who was directly responsible for a vineyard, from which a Hunter Valley wine was awarded a gold medal in a major capital wine show, Hunter Valley Wine Show or NSW Wine Awards in the preceding 12 months, and if that person still remains employed by the company who produced that wine.

Please note, we encourage the nomination of Vineyard Managers (which can include employees of a contractor). 

Nominations must be received by Friday, 19th February 2021.