The Coonawarra Vignerons announced the induction of Coonawarra’s newest patrons at a gala dinner event celebrating the 20th anniversary of its annual Cellar Dwellers celebrations on the weekend.
Wine industry icons Sue Hodder, Ian Hollick and Allen Jenkins were formally awarded the honour at the Parker Estate event, acknowledging their years of service and outstanding contributions, promotion and development of the Coonawarra wine region.
Coonawarra Vignerons president Dan Redman highlighted the criteria that qualified the nominees for this prestigious accolade.
“The honour of patron of Coonawarra is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contribution, commitment and service to the Coonawarra wine region over many years, above and beyond the requirements of their own job or business,” he said.
“Their energy and enthusiasm for the region is infectious, with an open-minded attitude for the future and a willingness to see change for the betterment of the region as a whole. As leaders in their respective fields they have served as mentors, offering guidance throughout their careers to many of today’s wine leaders.”
In inducting three new patrons, the Coonawarra Vignerons recognised past patrons Eric Brand (deceased), Ken Ward (deceased), Colin Ross-Smith (deceased), Colin Kidd (deceased), and current patrons Doug Balnaves, Doug Bowen, Wendy Hollick, Bruce Redman, Michelle Stehbens and Greg Clayfield – all who were in attendance on the night.
Mr Redman recognised the contributions of each new patron, paying tribute to their efforts.
“Each recipient has demonstrated an enormous effort in elevating Coonawarra and contributing to the wine region’s success. They are all truly worthy of this accolade,” he said.
Several Coonawarra Vigneron members were then invited to introduce the inductees. Fellow winemaker and long-time colleague Sarah Pidgeon introduced Ms Hodder.
“Her tenure in Coonawarra started in 1993 under the guidance of Peter Douglas, and in 1998, just five years later, she became the winery’s first female senior winemaker,” she said.
“Over the years Sue has received countless awards and recognitions to make her one of the most celebrated Winemakers in Coonawarra. Sue has proudly represented Coonawarra and the Australian wine industry both domestically and internationally.
“On a regional scale, her contribution to the research, development and assessment of new clones and rootstocks for the next generation of Cabernet Sauvignon in Coonawarra has been significant.
“She is so very deserving of this honour, her commitment and dedication to this region is unwavering.”
Victor Patrick, long time compatriot and fellow viticulturalist introduced Mr Hollick’s induction, likening his advocacy of the region to that of a torch bearer.
“Ian arrived in Coonawarra to work for Mildara Wines in 1972. Together with Colin Kidd and myself, he shaped the vineyard development of Coonawarra for the next 20 years by introducing new trellis systems, mechanical pruning and mechanical harvesting to the region,” Mr Patrick said.
“Not only that, Ian is attributed with designing the first mechanical pruning operation in Coonawarra.”
Mr Hollick and his former wife Wendy bought land in 1974 to establish their own Coonawarra vineyard – now more commonly known as Hollick Estates – winning the highly converted Jimmy Watson Trophy for the Hollick Cabernet Sauvignon on multiple occasions 1984 and 1985.
“The success of these accolades propelled Hollick Wines beyond the domestic Australian market and by 2003 they were exporting to over 23 different countries and in doing so promoting Coonawarra as a quality and premium brand to the world. He has long been and continues to be a proud torch bearer for Coonawarra,” Mr Patrick
said.
More broadly Mr Hollick’s contribution to the wine industry was also highlighted, as a founding member of the Australian Regional Winemakers’ Forum in the early 1980’s, chair of the Australian Regional Winemakers’ Electorate, member of the Australian Winemakers Federation, board member of the Australian Wine Export Council, former chair of Tourism South East and foundation member of the Coonawarra Vignerons Association.
Mr Jenkins’ presentation followed with former colleague Dr Catherine Kidman announcing his induction.
“Allen was appointed Wynns viticulturist in 2001, and for the next 20 years was a strong contributor to the Coonawarra and Limestone Coast Wine Regions,” Dr Kidman said.
“During his career, he established a reputation as a fine developer of people. Under his guidance he nurtured and mentored the careers of many of today’s wine leaders – myself included.”
The merger of the Coonawarra Vignerons and Coonawarra Grape Growers Association in 2013 saw Mr Jenkins assume the role as president of the new Coonawarra Grape and Wine Incorporated (CGWI).
“Allen played an important role in bringing the two organisations together,” Dr Kidman said.
He also held the position as Chair of the Limestone Coast Grape and Wine Inc. and played a key role in the ongoing advocacy efforts of the water allocation plan to ensure the long-term viability of the region’s precious groundwater.
In accepting the award, Ms Hodder said she felt fortunate to live in such a supportive, successful and forward-thinking wine making community,
“I am delighted and humbled to be acknowledged that my time in Coonawarra has been recognised, when truly the privileged has been all mine,” she said.
Mr Hollick shared the sentiment in that he was thrilled to be acknowledged for all the effort made on behalf of Coonawarra and the broader industry through his working life and that his endeavours were not forgotten.
“I may no longer reside in the region, but Coonawarra – and its wines, remains a place that I will forever be passionate about. I am honoured to be a patron, and will with pride continue to support its endeavors.”
In reiterating the other inductee’s comments Mr Jenkins said he too felt incredibly humbled and honoured.
“I hold Coonawarra community in the highest regard. To be awarded such an esteemed accolade by the Coonawarra wine industry is a very humbling experience,” he said.
