Andrew Caillard MW receives the Maurice O’Shea Award at the Australian Wine Industry Awards

Image credit: Australian Wine Industry

The winners of the prestigious Maurice O’Shea Award and the McWilliam’s Excellence in Action Award were unveiled in a special ceremony on 20 July at Adelaide Town Hall.

Fine wine expert, historian and author of “The Australian Ark” Andrew Caillard MW received this year’s Maurice O’Shea Award in honour of his 45-year career in the Australian wine industry. For the McWilliam’s Excellence in Action Award, the trophy went to viticulturist, advisor and vineyard owner Dylan Grigg for his work in the research and protection of Australian old vines.

Upon accepting the Maurice O’Shea Award, Caillard said: “I would like to pay tribute to the so many colleagues and friends, past and present, who have made a wonderful difference to our cause for Australian wine and the Australian wine community. Working with the Australian Wine industry has been a great privilege. We truly belong to a great cause and something that all generations of Australians – young and old – should be proud of.”

“I am very honoured to receive the prestigious Maurice O’Shea Award. Hopefully this will be seen as being symbolic; that working in wine is a vocation – not a job – and that making a difference of some sort takes time, requires patience and demands collaboration with others.”

The award acknowledges Caillard’s ongoing work in the promotion of the Australian wine industry, most notably penning renowned titles such as the aforementioned The Australian Ark, along with Penfolds: The Rewards of Patience, the LANGTONS Classification of Australian Wine (Editions I-VII) and The Vintage Journal. Caillard’s contributions to the Australian wine industry also extends to his work in the development of LANGTONS as shareholder and director, and author of seven editions of its respected Classification of Australian Wine.

Adrian Sparks, Chief Winemaker for Mount Pleasant Wines said: “Andrew’s dedication to researching and championing the Australian wine industry is truly admirable. His work has played a defining role in elevating its reputation on the global stage. We are honoured to present him with the Maurice O’Shea Award in recognition of his significant contribution.”

Leaders across the industry, media, producers and industry body representatives gathered for the event, which was followed by a special dinner matched with Mount Pleasant and McWilliam’s Wines.

Information courtesy of Australian Wine Industry