On Monday 25th July, the Lens Evans Tutorial was presented with the McWilliam’s Maurice O’Shea Award, the Australian wine industry’s most prestigious accolade.

The Lens Evans Tutorial, conceived by the late Len Evans AO OBE, is an exclusive wine course held annually in the Hunter Valley. The five-day course sees 12 selected scholars exposed to the demands of wine show judging – from master classes, to blind tastings and judging sessions – alongside some of Australia’s top wine experts.

Scholars of the tutorial prove successful in the industry, often going on to judge at major national wine shows. Leading wine critic and trustee of the Lens Evans Foundation, James Halliday, described the Lens Evans Tutorial as “the most exclusive wine school in the world”. After 15 years, there are over 180 graduate scholars contributing across the industry.

The Maurice O’Shea Award, presented every two years, recognises an individual or group for their outstanding contribution to the wine industry. Before an audience of more than 400 guests, Sally Evans, Iain Riggs and Ian McKenzie of the Lens Evans Foundation accepted the prestigious award, on behalf of the remaining trustees James Halliday, Brian Croser and Basil Sellers.

McWilliam’s CEO Jeff McWilliam believes the Lens Evans Tutorial was a deserving recipient of the award.

“The tutorial plays a significant role in identifying and investing in talented professionals in wine, vineyard, hospitality and sales that are helping to shape the future of Australian wine. I congratulate the trustees and tutors on receiving this award and thank them for their contribution to its success.” McWilliam stated.