Penley Estate Winemaker Lauren Hansen has been named the recipient of the Basil Sellers Prize for Dux at the Len Evans Tutorial 2024, which took place from Monday to Friday last week. As part of her prize, Hansen will be awarded an all expenses paid trip to Europe to visit some of the world’s most famous wine-producing regions and producers.

"Lauren's performance across the week was remarkably consistent as has been par for the course for all LET previous duxes,” said Sam Connew, Tutor and Trustee of the Len Evans Tutorial.

“She was in the top three scholars in all of the judging brackets, using her golds sparingly but precisely. Her language when talking about the wines was concise and succinct, focussing on all of the wine's aspects that needed to be covered. In addition, she was one of the top two performers in the written exercise."

Lauren Hansen described the Tutorial as “such an incredible learning journey” in which “so many truly epic wines” were tasted.

“It’s difficult to unpack the magic of the Len Evans Tutorial into words,” she continued.

“I couldn’t possibly pick a favourite wine, variety to judge, dinner bracket, or masterclass. The awe-inspiring wines, words of wisdom from tutors, and a-ha moments of learning just kept coming through the week.”

The current Winemaker at Penley Estate, Lauren graduated from the University of Adelaide in 2012 as the Dux of Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology and has completed vintages oversees in in Bordeaux, New Zealand, and Austria, along with in Australia for producers including Balnaves, Brokenwood, and Bannockburn.

Lauren Hansen was selected out of the 12 wine professionals chosen for the Tutorial’s 22nd year as the top performing scholar. The week long intensive training course included classes from more than 25 tutors including Michael Hill-Smith AM MW, Iain Riggs AM, and Adam Wadewitz.

"The Len Evans Tutorial is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our 12 scholars,” said Sarah Crowe, Deputy Chair and tutor.

“It has proved to be an invaluable training ground for our 264 alumni, many of whom have gone on to become influential industry leaders, wine show chairs, and senior wine judges.

“Whilst sharing, tasting and talking about wine quality is a key focus of the LET, it has also become a vital hub for sharing Australia's wine stories and rich wine history. It contributes to the industry in many ways, improving the calibre of Australian wine professionals and, ultimately, the quality of Australian wine."

The full list of scholars for the Len Evans Tutorial 2024 is as follows:

Nicole Brasier:
Winemaker, Tintara Winery, Accolade Wines, SA

Lisa Cardelli:
Wine Writer, Co-ordinator, Halliday Wine Companion, Vic

Greg Clack:
Winemaker, Owner, Chain of Ponds/XO Wine Co, SA

Tim Dexter:
Senior Winemaker, Oakridge Wines, Vic

Lauren Hansen:
Winemaker, Penley Estate, SA

Andrew Higgins:
Chief Winemaker, Tamburlaine Organic Wines, NSW

Marcell Kustos:
Principal, MKW Consulting, SA

Jonathon Mattick:
Winemaker, Viticulturist, Owner, Canobolas Wines, NSW

Aaron Mercer:
Winemaker, Mercer Wines, NSW

Foni Pollitt:
Owner, Buyer, Wine Educator, Mayfair Lane Pub & Dining Room, WA

Skye Salter:
Winemaker, Co-owner, Paralian Wines, SA

Rohan Smith
Chief Winemaker, Medhurst Wines, Vic

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