One of Australia’s largest viticulture regions, Langhorne Creek, is dominating on a national stage with 3 of its 9 Cellar Doors representing the region as finalists in the 2022 Halliday Wine Companion Awards.
Award-winning Kimbolton Wines, Bleasdale and Lake Breeze Wines have been recognised as finalists in three of the six major categories – with more than 3,500 wineries entering the awards nationally.
In a strong showcase for the Creek, each winery will go up against less than 10 national competitors in their individual categories – all vying for the top spot.
Lake Breeze Wines is up for ‘Winemaker of the Year’ – an award that’s previously been held in years
past by fellow finalist, Bleasdale. Lake Breeze winemaker Greg Follett said it was a big achievement to be recognised as a finalist among only eight others within the country.
“Off the back of Lake Breeze winning ‘Best Value’ category last year, we’re overwhelmed with the follow-up recognition as a finalist for ‘Winemaker of the Year.’ It reinforces the years of hard work that we have put into our vineyard and wines,” Greg said.
Kimbolton Wines has been nominated as a finalist for the Dark Horse Winery of the Year – a category that represents established wineries that have received a 5-star rating for the first time this year.
With six competing for the award, Nicole Clark and brother Brad Case are hopeful to secure a win after establishing their Cellar Door in 2018.
“For us to be a contender in this category is huge. We’ve received accolades for our unique shipping container Cellar Door as a go-to tourist destination but to be a finalist as a 5-star winery and recognised for the wines that we’re producing is exciting,” Brad said.
Just minutes down the road, Bleasdale is one of nine competing for Best Value Winery. Bleasdale General Manager Leigh Warren said: “many of our customers often tell us that our range of wines over-deliver for their price point, so it’s a great reward for us to be nominated for ‘Best Value Winery.’
“It’s also great to be able to continue the excellent record that we’ve had with the Halliday Wine Companion over the years,” he said.
Nicole Clark of Kimbolton Wines said “Langhorne Creek has been producing first-quality wines for years and to have three wineries selected in the one awards evening is quite remarkable. We’re all cheering each other on – we have such a supportive community here in the Creek.”
The Halliday Wine Companion Awards explores the best winemakers, viticulturists and wineries in Australia. This year the awards are judged by James Halliday, Tyson Stelzer, Dave Brookes, Ned Goodwin MW, Jane Faulkner, Erin Larkin, Jeni Port and Philip Rich.
Winners will be announced at the 2022 Halliday Wine Companion Awards on Wednesday 3 August.
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