Tahbilk named top winemaker

Tahbilk, Victoria's oldest family-owned winery, was named the best agricultural producer at the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW awards last night.

The $10,000 cash prize and silver heritage President's Medal was awarded at a gala dinner at Sydney Showground.

RAS President Glenn Dudley said the President's Medal recognised producers who create the highest quality products using sustainable practices, which are crucial to the future of Australian agriculture.

Tahbilk winemaker Alister Purbrick.

"It is the only produce competition in Australia that takes a whole-of-company approach, so to be in the running, entrants must have savvy business plans in place covering everything from finances and marketing to environmental and social responsibility," he said.

The winner of the President's Medal is chosen from a pool of 108 champion products.

Tahbilk's chief winemaker, Alan George, said winning the award is enough to "put a bit of a spring in your step".

"Competing with producers beyond the wine industry puts the President's Medal in a different league and, for the team behind Tahbilk wines, winning it is more than a little exciting," he said.

"When you're given an award like this it's very satisfying; it makes the job that much more worthwhile to do."

Source: CourierMail, 12 July 2013