Industry icons inducted

NEW COONAWARRA PARTONS

The Coonawarra Vignerons announced the induction of Coonawarra’s newest Patrons, at a gala dinner event celebrating the 20th anniversary of Cellar Dwellers on Saturday 27 July at Parker Estate.

Wine industry icons Sue Hodder, Ian Hollick and Allen Jenkins were formally awarded the honour, acknowledging their years of service and outstanding contributions, promotion and development of the Coonawarra Wine Region.

Coonawarra Vignerons President Dan Redman highlighted the criteria that qualified the nominees for this prestigious accolade.

“The honour of Patron of Coonawarra is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contribution, commitment and service to the Coonawarra Wine Region over many years, above and beyond the requirements of their own job or business.”

“Their energy and enthusiasm for the region is infectious, with an open-minded attitude for the future and a willingness to see change for the betterment of the region as a whole. As leaders in their respective fields they’ve served as mentors, offering guidance throughout their careers to many of today’s wine leaders” stated Mr Redman.

In inducting three new Patrons, the Coonawarra Vignerons recognise their past Patrons: Eric Brand (deceased), Ken Ward (deceased), Colin Ross-Smith (deceased), Colin Kidd (deceased), and current Patrons: Doug Balnaves, Doug Bowen, Wendy Hollick, Bruce Redman, Michelle Stehbens and Greg Clayfield – all who were in attendance on the night.

In announcing Sue Hodder, Ian Hollick and Allen Jenkins to join the current patrons, Redman recognised the contributions of each.

“Each recipient has demonstrated an enormous effort in elevating Coonawarra and contributing to the wine region’s success. They are all truly worthy of this accolade” said Redman.

Several Coonawarra Vigneron members were then invited to introduce the inductees. Fellow winemaker and long-time colleague Sarah Pidgeon introduced Sue Hodder.

The Coonawarra Vignerons announced the induction of Coonawarra’s newest Patrons, at a gala dinner event celebrating the 20th anniversary of Cellar Dwellers on Saturday 27 July at Parker Estate.

Wine industry icons Sue Hodder, Ian Hollick and Allen Jenkins were formally awarded the honour, acknowledging their years of service and outstanding contributions, promotion and development of the Coonawarra Wine Region.

Coonawarra Vignerons President Dan Redman highlighted the criteria that qualified the nominees for this prestigious accolade.

“The honour of Patron of Coonawarra is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contribution, commitment and service to the Coonawarra Wine Region over many years, above and beyond the requirements of their own job or business.”

“Their energy and enthusiasm for the region is infectious, with an open-minded attitude for the future and a willingness to see change for the betterment of the region as a whole. As leaders in their respective fields they’ve served as mentors, offering guidance throughout their careers to many of today’s wine leaders” stated Mr Redman.

In inducting three new Patrons, the Coonawarra Vignerons recognise their past Patrons: Eric Brand (deceased), Ken Ward (deceased), Colin Ross-Smith (deceased), Colin Kidd (deceased), and current Patrons: Doug Balnaves, Doug Bowen, Wendy Hollick, Bruce Redman, Michelle Stehbens and Greg Clayfield – all who were in attendance on the night.

In announcing Sue Hodder, Ian Hollick and Allen Jenkins to join the current patrons, Redman recognised the contributions of each.

“Each recipient has demonstrated an enormous effort in elevating Coonawarra and contributing to the wine region’s success. They are all truly worthy of this accolade” said Redman.

Several Coonawarra Vigneron members were then invited to introduce the inductees. Fellow winemaker and long-time colleague Sarah Pidgeon introduced Sue Hodder.

“Allen was appointed Wynns Viticulturist in 2001, and for the next 20 years was a strong contributor to the Coonawarra and Limestone Coast Wine Regions.”

“During his career, he established a reputation as a fine developer of people. Under his guidance he nurtured and mentored the careers of many of today’s wine leaders – myself included” Kidman said.

The merger of the Coonawarra Vignerons and Coonawarra Grape Growers Association in 2013 saw Allen assume the role as President of the new Coonawarra Grape and Wine Incorporated (CGWI).

“Allen played an important role in bringing the two organisations together” Kidman stated.

He also held the position as Chair of the Limestone Coast Grape and Wine Inc. and played a key role in the ongoing advocacy efforts of the water allocation plan to ensure the long-term viability of the Region’s precious groundwater.

Sue Hodder, Ian Hollick and Allen Jenkins were each presented with a badge and framed certificate commemorating their patron induction.

In accepting the award, Hodder said she felt fortunate to live in such a supportive, successful and forward thinking wine making community,

“I am delighted and humbled to be acknowledged that my time in Coonawarra has been recognised, when truly the privileged has been all mine” Hodder stated.

Hollick shared Hodder’s sentiment in that he was thrilled to be acknowledged for all the effort made on behalf of Coonawarra and the broader industry through his working life and that his endeavours weren’t forgotten.

“I may no longer reside in the region, but Coonawarra – and it’s wines, remains a place that I will forever be passionate about. I am honoured to be a Patron, and will with pride continue to support its endeavours.”

In reiterating the other inductee’s comments Allen said he too felt incredibly humbled and honoured.

“I hold Coonawarra community in the highest regard. To be awarded such an esteemed accolade by the Coonawarra wine industry is a very humbling experience” said Mr Jenkins.

The Coonawarra Vignerons executive and its members took the opportunity at the dinner to extend its sincere congratulations to Sue, Ian and Allen on this accolade and welcome them into the ranks as Patrons of the Association and the Coonawarra Wine Region.