The most esteemed and anticipated award, the Living Legend is an honour only granted to a select few – to a Hunter Valley winemaker or grape grower who has given a lifetime of service to the region’s wine and tourism industries during their career.
Bray has supported the Hunter Valley wine community for almost 40 years as a leading viticulturist on some of the region’s most cherished vineyards, including his work for Penfolds and Wyndham Estate, and through his viticultural consulting business, founded in 1980 with his wife and at the time of his purchase of the Braemore vineyard, which he continues to tend today. For the tourism industry, Ken has served the committees of both the Hunter Valley Vineyard Association and Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association, working on seminars, workshops and procurement.
On receiving the award, Bray said: “It’s a great privilege that one is able to receive this recognition tonight, I’m quite humble. We do what we do because we love the industry and respect the other people that play a part in the premium growing area of Australia.”
Ken also paid mention to the difficult vintage the region has face this year. "After the vintage we've just been through, we've probably all at times wondered why we persist because it wasn't the easiest. But we got there and the wine on the table tonight is fantastic."
Alongside Bray, other Living Legends, Mike De Iuliis from De Iuliis Wines, Andrew Margan from Margan Family Wines and Tyrrell’s Wines were awarded Winemaker of the Year, Viticulturist of the Year and Cellar Door of the Year respectively. And in an unexpected twist, 2015 Rising Star of the Year was jointly awarded – to Gwyn Olsen from Briar Ridge Vineyard and Troy and Megan Rhoades-Brown from Muse Restaurant and Kitchen.
Rising Star of the Year recognises an aspiring star, and in this case two aspiring stars, of the Hunter Valley wine and tourism industries. Gywn Olsen received the award for her outstanding work and achievements in winemaking. Most recently, Gywn was awarded Gourmet Traveller Wine’s Young Winemaker of the Year title, while in 2012 Gywn was named DUX of the Australian Wine Research Institute.
Troy and Megan were jointly recognised with the award, for their tireless work and success efforts with the opening of Muse Restaurant, which picked up a Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Chef Hat in its first year.
“We continue to lead by example with our work ethic and passion for the industry. Our aim is to continue to impress and over deliver on customers’ expectations”, the couple said.
The awards, now in their ninth year, are integral to the ongoing development of the Hunter Valley’s vital wine and tourism industries, each year celebrating and supporting individuals who have made major contributions to and excelled within both.
Vice President of the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association, Andrew Margan, said the record number of entries and high caliber of this year’s finalists, represent the outstanding caliber of the individuals working in the region’s wine and tourism industries.
Living Legends become life ambassadors for the region, passing down from generation to generation new ideas and developments that ensure the Hunter Valley continues to produce outstanding quality Australian wines and the Hunter Valley’s status as a hot spot for tourism.
The Hunter Valley was in fact recently granted funding of $110,000 as part of the 2015 Federal Budget to help support the promotion of the region to international and new Australian audiences. The funding will be invested into the region’s promotional and tourism efforts, including the Hunter Valley Wine & Food Month, which begins in June.
Like Andrew Margan, Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchas also stresses the importance of tourism to the region.
“Tourism is vital to the Hunter. In the year ending September 2014, the region attracted over 3 million domestic and international overnight visitors, with a total spend of more than $1.4 billion,” Ms. Chipchase said.
“This support package will see the region heavily promoted throughout Australia and the world, showcasing the wonderful range of experiences on offer and stimulate travel to this wonderful part of NSW.”
For more information on the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association, visit www.winecountry.com.au
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