Sarah Crowe of Yarra Yering has been named Winemaker of the Year at Gourmet Traveller Wine’s annual presenation.
It is the second time that she has won the award. Ms Crowe described working at Yarra Yering, where they make there own wine from their own vineyard is the “ultimate dream”.
She said, “We have total control, making it easier to improve, change, trial and dare to do better each year. I work with an amazing team. None of us is s silo.”
Judge Sophie Otton said, “It is almost eight years since winemaker and viticulturist Sarah Crowe arrived at the historic estate of Yarra Yering – effectively custodian of the legacy of the late Dr Bailey Carrodus.
“She took on a great responsibility. In return, she and her team have taken something that was already beautifully formed and skilfully recast it in a new creative light.”
“Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Crowe’s Yarra Yering journey is how she has thoroughly modernised the wines without eroding the label’s legacy,” said judge Toni Paterson MW.
Yarra Yering was named Winery of the Year and its 2019 Dry Red No 1 the Wine of the Year in the 2022 Halliday Wine Companion Awards. Ms Crowe was announced as James Halliday’s Winemaker of the Year for 2017.
Will Gilbert – sixth generation winemaker – of Gilbert Family Wines in Mudgee, New South Wales, was named Young Winemaker of the Year.
Viticulturist of the Year went to Lee Haselgrove of Mure Viticulture in Frankland River, Western Australia and Dr Patrick Iland OAM of Patrick Iland Wine Promotions, is this year’s recipient of the Award for Leadership.
“Some people in the wine industry come to attention by the noise they make. Others do so simply by quiet excellence. Dr Patrick Iland is one of these,” said judge Nick Bulleid MW.
The awards, now in their 24th year, have celebrated and showcased 192 worthy winemakers who have been
finalists since the inaugural event in 1998.
Photo with thanks to Gourmet Traveller Wine
