Tess McLachlan
27 Nov 2014
Congratulations to the 2014 National Award winners
Brent Williamson from The Wine Emporium in Queensland and David Manning from fine wine distributors Negociants Australia in Victoria were named the winners of the biennial education program.
"This is a program of real substance; it is admired not only in this country but around the world," said Working with Wine panellist Nick Ryan.
"To take 70 people from each city and put them through this exercise is quite phenomenal. It's a new generation coming through the program and they're more engaged than ever, with a thirst for this kind of information."
Winner Brent Williamson credited Working with Wine with expanding the participants’' ability to discuss Australian wine on a world scale.
"Everyone can now confidently position Australian wine next to its peers, which are the best wines of the world," he said. In accepting his trophy, David Manning also took the opportunity to confirm Australia is producing wines that compete on the world stage.
"We are (making world class wine), and we will and we can; and people around the world will stand up and take notice," he said. Meanwhile, Scott Estrich from Sails Restaurant Noosa was awarded the Working with Wine Fellowship Wine Writing Award. Scott received a $1000 book voucher and will have his wine essay published in the February/March issue of Australian Gourmet Traveller WINE magazine.
2014 WORKING WITH WINE FINALISTS
New South Wales - Julian Gutierrez (North Sydney Cellars); Andrew Day (Samuel Smith & Son)
Victoria - Mattia Antonio Cianca (Attica); David Manning (Negociants Australia)
Queensland - Brent Williamson (The Wine Emporium); Luke Willis (Negociants Australia)
Western Australia - Erin Larkin (Lamont’s Wine Store); Nick Gulin (Negociants Australia)
South Australia - Frank Hannon-Tan (Amalfi Pizzeria Ristorante and Mother Vine); Louis Schofield (East End Cellars); Chris Walsh (Negociants Australia)