In a remarkable showcase of viticultural excellence, South Australia has emerged as a dominant force in the global wine industry, with eight of its winemakers securing spots in the prestigious ‘Top 100 Master Winemakers’ list for 2023.
This list, curated by the esteemed international drinks publication, Drinks Business, celebrates the crème de la crème of winemakers from around the globe, highlighting those who have pushed the boundaries of quality and innovation in winemaking.
The South Australian winners include esteemed names such as David Norman from Gatt Wines, Mike Brown of Gemtree, Kym Milne MW from Golden Amrita, Paul Lindner of Langmeil, Tim Pelquest-Hunt from Orlando Wines, Scott Hazeldine of Schild Estate, and Adam Eggins from Wakefield Wines/Taylors Wines, and Jeremy Ottawa from Château Tanunda. These winemakers, through their innovative practices and dedication to quality, have not only elevated the profile of South Australian wine on the global stage but have also showcased the diverse and rich winemaking heritage of the region.
Among the luminaries is Jeremy Ottawa, Senior Winemaker at Château Tanunda, who has been recognised for his exceptional skill and dedication to crafting exquisite wines.
Ottawa’s inclusion in this elite group was secured through his achievement of a Masters Trophy at the 2023 Global Cabernet Masters for The Château Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, a single vineyard wine that has captivated the palates of judges and wine enthusiasts alike.
Ottawa expressed his gratitude and honor for the recognition, stating, “I’m incredibly honoured to be named alongside winemakers that I admire from all over the world. The Drinks Business and its Global Masters program sets the benchmark for quality and value on a global scale, it’s a fantastic result for the entire team at Château Tanunda.”
This year’s list is particularly noteworthy for the strong representation of South Australian winemakers, who have taken out an impressive eight spots, equivalent to 80% of the Australians named. This achievement underscores the region’s unparalleled contribution to the Australian wine industry, particularly in a time when Australian wine exports have faced significant challenges.
The Château Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, which played a pivotal role in Ottawa’s recognition, is crafted from fruit grown in the Eden Valley’s cool climate, on mineral-rich red-clay soil, and matured in seasoned French oak, this wine exemplifies the region’s capability to produce cabernet sauvignons of exceptional quality and character. Château Tanunda’s Chief Winemaker Neville Rowe also secured spots on the Master Winemaker 100 list, in previous years.
As the global wine industry continues to evolve, the prominence of South Australian winemakers on such a prestigious list is a clear indication of the region’s significant and growing influence. It not only celebrates the individual achievements of these talented winemakers but also shines a spotlight on South Australia’s rich winemaking tradition and its bright future on the world stage. For wine enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, the Drinks Business Master Winemaker 100 list serves as a guide to some of the finest wines and winemakers the world has to offer.
The Drinks Business Master Winemaker 100 list was first published in 2020, and is compiled from wines that have achieved the highest accolade – a Masters medal in the Global Masters tasting series, a rigorous and highly competitive evaluation process.
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