2021 Barossa Winemaker of the Year and Barossa Viticulturist of the Year

Sunday, February 21, 2021

JOHN HUGHES NAMED 2021 BAROSSA WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR AND WILL HOLMES NAMED 2021 BAROSSA VITICULTURIST OF THE YEAR

The wine fraternity Barons of Barossa named John Hughes as this year’s Barossa Winemaker of the Year and Will Holmes as the Viticulturist of the Year on Sunday 21 February.

The awards were announced at the Declaration of Vintage, a regional celebration of the grape harvest held annually in Tanunda. The colour and pageantry of this unique event added to the buzz of excitement that always proceeds the Winemaker and Viticulturist of the Year announcements. 

Louisa Rose, the fraternity’s Grand Master, said, “John and Will are both highly respected by their peers. They were nominated for their dedication to maintaining the quality and regionality of Barossa wine as well as their commitment to their community.” 

“Will Holmes is incredibly active in the grape growing community. With an extensive knowledge of the region’s complex water issues, he freely shares his time and knowledge with fellow growers. Will also coordinates ‘Fat Farmer’ activities within the region. 

“John is widely admired for his commitment to the wine community through his behind the scenes work with the Barossa Wine Show and Riesling Eden Valley and his Rieslingfreak label is a fantastic homage to the Riesling grape. He founded the successful Kicking Goals Scholarship program, providing mentorship and educational funding for young people living with a disability. 

As part of the event, viticulturist Adrian Hoffmann, the Barons’ Honourary Vigneron, delivered the highly anticipated 2021 Vintage Forecast. Then, John and Will used an historic hand cranked crusher for the ceremonial crushing of shiraz grapes, giving Grand Master Louisa the opportunity to taste the fresh juice and ‘Declare the 2021 Barossa Vintage’.