An award to recognise a life's work

The Royal Melbourne Wine Awards (RMWA) have established The Dr Tony Jordan Trophy for Best Sparkling to honour the contribution he made to the Australian wine industry during his lifetime.

Dr Jordan founded Domaine Chandon Australia in the Yarra Valley in 1985 , establishing what has become one of Australia’s most celebrated and successful sparkling wines. 

RASV CEO, Brad Jenkins said, “The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria is pleased to award the Best Sparkling Wine trophy in Dr Tony Jordan’s name, honouring his lifetime of work, many achievements and lasting contribution to the Royal Melbourne Wine Awards."

A familiar face and dedicated supporter of the RMWA, Dr Jordan judged at the Awards on fifteen separate occasions from 1990-2009 and provided a wealth of knowledge informed by years of influencing and shaping Australian Sparkling Wine into the world-renowned product it is today. 

He was a distinguished winemaker, wine judge, consultant and leader in the Australian wine industry. Dr Jordan passed away in August 2019.

RASV Manager, Category Growth and Development, Damian Nieuwesteeg said, “Dr Jordan was a wine industry pioneer and advocate of wine education and wine judging, particularly Sparkling Wine production both in Australia and internationally, and this trophy helps recognise his legacy and his contribution to the Royal Melbourne Wine Awards and the advancement of Australian wine."

Conducted by The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) for over 135 years, the RMWA gives producers the opportunity to benchmark their wines against industry standards, seek advice from an independent panel of experts, and promote and market award winning products using the RMWA seal of excellence.

Entries for the 2021 RMWA are now open. Judging will take place from Monday, 11 October - Friday, 15 October at Melbourne Showgrounds. The Awards Presentation will take place at Victoria Pavilion, Melbourne Showgrounds on Thursday, 21 October.