Today, Angus Barnes, the new National Chair of the Wine Communicators of Australia (WCA), announced this year’s Legend of the Vine Award, as well as the 2015 Major Trophy Winners.

The Legend of the Vine Award, which recognises a member of the wine industry who has made an outstanding contribution to the wine business and industry at large, was awarded to Robert Hirst.

“I can’t begin to tell what this award means. Winemaking has always been a part of my life…and it’s been a great journey.

“The journey continues and I continue to be supported…by an industry of dedicated and committed people.

“Thank you again to WCA and congratulations to all the trophy winners.”

As for the major trophy winners, the first to be announced, taking away the WCA Perpetual Trophy for the Best Other Red Varietal, was Zonte’s Footstep Violet Beauregard Malbec. The award was received by distributor, Single Vineyard Sellers.

The Fine Wine Partners Perpetual Trophy was received by Yabby Lake for its 2013 Single Vineyard Block Release Block2, which also took away The Macquarie Group Perpetual Trophy for Best Wine of Show, as well as the Len Evans Memorial Perpetual Trophy for Best Single Vineyard Wine and the Dr Gilbert Phillips Memorial Perpetual Trophy for Best Red Wine.

The Albert Chan Memorial Prize for Best White Wine was awarded to Souhmah’s 2013 Single Vineyard Chardonnay.

In addition, the drinks association Perennial Trophy for Best Shiraz, went to Brown Brothers’ 2013 18 Eighty Nine Shiraz. The drinks association is also the publisher of drinks bulletin.

And finally, the Douglas Lamb Perpetual Trophy for Best Riesling was received by Echelon Wine Partners for its 2009 Zeppelin Cellar Aged.

Among awards, Mr. Barnes also announced that Nick Carne will be taking over from Jeffrey Wilkinson as the new National Executive Officer, as Mr, Wilkinson retires.

WCA is the national organisation for wine professionals, bringing together the voices of the industry to communicate issues, ideas and innovations, while seeking to drive debate, as well as to provide education and motivation.

A full list of all trophy winners can be viewed online shortly at www.winecommunicators.com.au .