Australian Winemaker Wins World Title Four Times

When you think of the word ‘great’ or ‘world-beaters’ what does it really mean to Australians? We prefer to be an unassuming bunch but, deep down, we all love to be parochial when it comes to our homeland. How many times have you heard returning Aussies say: “Europe was awesome, I had such a great time, but there’s no place as good as here.” We are indeed the lucky country. And now, our world-beating beaches, inventors, sports heroes and actors can be joined by winemakers – and one in particular, Neil McGuigan.

McGuigan Wines was named Winemaker of the Year for a record fourth time at the 2016 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in London, recognised as the world’s leading wine and spirits awards. Having previously won the title in 2009, 2011 and 2012, the fourth award puts the Australian winery into new territory – it’s the first time any winery has won the award four times in the competition’s 47-year history.

drinks bulletin: Congratulations on such a fantastic accolade, did you ever think you’d take home this trophy once, let alone four times? And how does it feel?

Neil McGuigan: It is wonderful to be able to represent Australia on the world stage. It’s very exciting, but humbling at the same time. We had a purple patch from 2009 to 2012, and you’d think it wouldn’t happen again, but if you commit to making great wine you can get lucky.

DB: Can you explain to our readers how the overall Winemaker of the Year decision comes about? How do the results of your individual wines affect the overall result?

NM: The way this is tabulated is not revealed, so I believe the system is about strike rate, with wines that don’t win medals given a negative number. Plus, I believe gold medals and trophies are highly awarded.

DB: What is it about Australian wines, and McGuigan wines in particular, that is winning over the public in the UK?

NM: For Australian wines, it is generosity of fruit because of the climate in which we operate. With our wines, we have the same generosity of fruit but with cleanliness and varietal definition. Plus, we have a maturation program in the business which allows us to release and show mature Australian wines at their peak.

DB: When did all the hard work start? What have you put in place to achieve these goals?

NM: The hard work started when I began in the wine industry. It has taken a lifetime to reach this level of performance; some may say that I am slow.

DB: What do you think it is that sets Australian winemakers apart and contributes to such success?

NM: A total commitment to quality, tenacity, innovation, patience and persistence.

DB: What are the key attributes that you can point to that makes Australian wine so good?

NM: Purity of the variety – most Australian vines are on their own roots not rootstock – plus clean air, water and abundant sunshine. Our raw materials (the grapes) are arguably the best in the world.