TOP OF THE CROPS
Geelong’s Provenance Wines is the toast of the town after tasting success in the prestigious Halliday Wine Companion awards
OWNERS of Geelong-based winery Provenance Wines are today raising a celebratory glass after their prestigious Halliday Wine Companion win.
The Fyansford-based producers were awarded Best Value Winery of the Year for the 2019 competition at an awards ceremony last night, beating thousands of premier winemakers across Australia.
The Halliday Wine Companion — named after Australian wine critic and panel member James Halliday — is a guidebook listing the highestrated Australian wines as decided by an independent panel.
More than 9280 wines were tasted for the 2019 edition, with six entries chosen as major prizewinners.
Co-owner and winemaker Scott Ireland said the recognition after more than 20 years of hard work was “incredibly moving”.
“I got the call about six weeks ago from James Halliday himself — it was a bit humbling, moved me quite a bit, to be honest,” he said.
“You don’t get into the wine industry to become a millionaire — it’s not that kind of industry — you do it for passion and that’s why Provenance is what it is.”
Mr Ireland stressed the “best value” did not mean cheapest, but was rather a nod to the winery’s commitment to the highest-quality product for the best value for money.
“It’s not about cheap wine, it’s totally about making the best product for the best value for money,” he said.
“Our wines have had no expense spared in making them the best possible example of what they can be, and that is in the vineyard and in the winery.”
The chardonnay, pinot gris, pinot noir and shiraz of Provenance were highly regarded by the judging panel, with 10 of the 11 reviewed wines scoring a 95 or above (out of 100).
Provenance Wines started producing wine in Geelong in 1997, celebrating its 20th anniversary last year. In that time Mr Ireland said he had watched the local industry grow and flourish into a premier region.
“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved and we’re extremely proud to be part of the Geelong region — that’s why we’re based here.”
Mr Ireland shares this award with part owner and winemaker Sam Vogel and wife and general manager Jen Lilburn. The cellar door is located at the Fyansford Paper Mills, open from 11am-6pm.
YOU DON’T GET INTO THE WINE INDUSTRY TO BECOME A MILLIONAIRE — IT’S NOT THAT KIND OF INDUSTRY — YOU DO IT FOR PASSION AND THAT’S WHY PROVENANCE IS WHAT IT IS.
PROVENANCE WINES CO-OWNER SCOTT IRELAND (PICTURED)