Now in its ninth year, the ‘Hunter Valley Legends Awards’ has announced its finalists for Winemaker of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, Viticulturist of the Year and Cellar Door of the Year.

Winemaker of the Year finalists:

• Gwyn Olsen, Briar Ridge Vineyard


• Liz Jackson, First Creek Wines


• Matt Burton, Gundog Estate


• Michael De Iuliis, De Iuliis Wines


• Rodney Kempe, Lakes Folly

Rising Star of the Year finalists:

• Gwyn Olsen, Briar Ridge Vineyard


• Rauri Donkin, Bimbadgen


• Stuart Hordern, Brokenwood Wines


• Troy & Megan from Muse Restaurant & Muse Kitchen

Viticulturist of the Year finalists:

• Andrew Margan, Margan Family Wines


• Belinda Kelly, Tallavera Grove Vineyard – Davis premium vineyards


• Paul Harvey, McWilliams Mt. Pleasant

Cellar Door of the Year finalists:

• Bimbadgen


• De Iuliis Wines


• McGuigan Wines


• McLeish Estate


• Pepper Tree Wines


• Tyrrell’s Wines

The winners of each category are judged by a panel of past winners, industry leaders and guest media judge, Mike Bennie.