The quintessential and innovative winemaker and wine marketer, Wolf Blass, was last night named as the winner of the 10th McWilliams Wines Maurice O'Shea Award.
Wolf Blass has been credited with playing a major role in the development of the Australian wine industry both domestically and internationally - through the introduction of new winemaking techniques, marketing strategies and the development of new export markets.
The award, recognised as the most prestigious in the Australian Wine Industry, recognises outstanding achievements in the Australian wine industry. It is presented biennially and honours the memory of the legendary pioneering winemaker, Maurice O'Shea.
Wolf Blass said he was honoured to have been recognised by the industry in such an illustrious way.
"Looking at the past winners it makes me very proud to have been part of such an exciting wine industry", he said.
"I have made many great friends in this industry and it still makes me proud to meet people from all over the world who enjoy drinking Wolf Blass wines."
McWilliam's Wines CEO, Kevin McLintock said, "Presenting Wolf Blass with the Maurice O'Shea Award is recognition of the enormous contribution he has made to the Australian wine industry during a 35-year career."
The Wolf Blass wines have received outstanding reviews from wine critics, show judges and consumers the world over since their first release in the 1970's. The wines have been awarded hundreds of trophy and major awards from leading wine shows, including the flagship wine the Wolf Blass Black label winning an unprecedented fourth Jimmy Watson Trophy at last years Royal Melbourne Wine Show.
Previous winners of the Maurice O'Shea have included Dr Bryce Rankine AM , Brian Croser OA, Hazel Murphy , James Halliday, The Jacob's Creek brand, the late David Wynn (1993), Inventor Ron Potter (1992), Len Evans OBE, OA (1991) and the late Max Schubert (1990).
Further information:
George Samios
Public Relations Manager
Beringer Blass Wine Estates
Tel: +613 9690 9966
Mob: 0417 359 919
