Both winners will now proceed to the 2015 Telstra Australian Business Awards, to be announced in Sydney on 20 August.
See below for further information on each winning business.
Kalleske Wines
The Kalleske family has been farming and growing quality grapes since 1853 near the village of Greenock in SA's Barossa Valley. In 2002, winemaker Troy Kalleske, together with brother Tony, whose skills lay in management, business development and sales, established Kalleske Wines.
The first wines from the family estate were released in 2004 and quickly gained recognition nationally and internationally. In 2013, they renovated an old building in Greenock’s main street to become their cellar door. Now exporting to 23 countries, the Kalleskes are committed to making chemical-free wines of individuality and excellence – their organic wines won recognition at the prestigious AWC Vienna Awards in 2013. Sustainability is at the heart of their business and they ensure that all winery waste is composted and returned as natural fertiliser into the vineyard.
“Our farm, vineyards and winery are all run using organic and biodynamic methods and are certified both organic and biodynamic; producing handcrafted organic wines - the way nature intended,” says owner Tony Kalleske on his company’s mission.
Great Southern Distilling Company
Great Southern Distilling Company was established by Cameron Syme in 2004, turning his passion for whisky into a commercial reality after 16 years of research. In 2013, the company’s flagship brand Limeburners Whisky was recognised as a ‘front runner of world whisky’ by leading UK journalist Dominic Roskrow. In 2015, Limeburners won the Champion Whisky Trophy at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards. It was rated as ‘liquid gold’ by critic Jim Murray in his annual compendium The Whisky Bible.
Based in Albany and handcrafted using locally farmed produce, the company plans to expand by opening a second distillery in Margaret River this year. Its motto ‘in pursuit of excellence’ has driven a reputation as a world class producer of single malt whisky. Now recognised as a brand of choice internationally, Limeburners is taking country WA to the world.
“Our overriding mission is the pursuit of excellence and producing the best whisky in the world,” says founder and distiller Cameron Syme on his company’s mission.
Share the content
