Pam Dunsford wins Maurice O’Shea Award

In a distinguished career spanning four decades, Pam Dunsford OAM, has been called a trailblazer, leader, innovator and more. In recognition of her outstanding contribution to the industry, she won Australia’s most prestigious wine accolade – the Maurice O’Shea Award, now under the auspices of the newly formed Australian Wine Industry Awards in partnership with McWilliam’s and Mount Pleasant. Of Pam’s many accomplishments, she became the first woman to study winemaking at the then Roseworthy Agricultural College, the first female winemaker to become a show judge and the first female winemaker to head a leading winery. She is formidable. Unequivocally, a legend. Adrian Sparks, Mount Pleasant’s chief winemaker, said Pam “embodies what the Maurice O’Shea Award stands for and we are so honoured to celebrate her achievements.” A new prize was also announced, the McWilliam’s Excellence in Action Award, recognising an enterprise or those addressing key issues in the wine industry. The inaugural prize went to the Australian Women in Wine Awards, which champions women working in wine and its commitment towards gender equality in the industry.