Oakdene take top gong at Geelong Wine Show

WALLINGTON winemakers Oakdene Vineyards have emerged as the top local producers at the 2024 Geelong Wine Show.

The Grubb Road establishment was awarded five awards, headlined by the Best in Show honour for its 2023 Single Vineyard Liz’s Chardonnay.

Oakdene also swirled up a win for Best Sparking (Oakdene 2019 Matilda Blanc de Noirs), Best Pinot Noir (2023 Peta’s Pinot Noir) and Best Oak Matured Chardonnay (2023 Single Vineyard Liz’s Chardonnay).

The 25th edition of the Geelong Wine Show brought together more than 50 large and small producers to showcase the quality and diversity of local wines.

The show offered winegrowers a benchmarking opportunity for their wines, and the chance to receive valuable feedback from esteemed winemakers.

Oakdene Vineyards winemaker Steven Paul said his team were thrilled with their success.

“It’s always lovely to get some recognition from judges at a wine show, particuarly when it falls your way.

“It’s great for our team at the vineyard and winery to know we are on the right track to making the wines we want to make.”

Mr Paul said excellent recent fruit quality has held them in good stead to produce top wines.

“The fruit quality has been excellent, and of course you’ve got to start with a good raw product.

“We’ve had a great run with all our wines, particularly with the Liz’s Chardonnay.

“It’s taken top honours here [Geelong], and has also won best in show at the Ballarat Wine Show and top honours twice at the French Australian Chamber of Commerce Concours Des Vins du Victoria.

“It’s amazing to have that consistently.

“Hopefully it puts us front of mind when people are looking towards what wines to buy for Christmas.”

Other winners at the awards included Provenance Wines (2023 Golden Plains Rose – Best Rose), Oneday Estate (2021 Riesling – Best Other White Wine), Austin Wines (Best Wine of Provenance) – Austins Wines 2023,2019 and 2015 Chardonnay), Mulline Wines (Best Shiraz – 2023 Modewarre Syrah) and Jack Rabbit (Best Other Red – 2023 Cabernot Sauvignon).

Respected hospitality duo David and Lyndsay Sharp were inducted into the Geelong Wine Show Hall of Fame.

For more information, head to geelongwineshow.com.au