The Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association hosted the Clare Valley Wine Hall of Fame Gala and Award Presentation last week, recognising local winemakers demonstrating dedication, innovation and expertise across the industry.

Five “legends” were inducted into the Clare Valley Wine Hall of Fame on the night, in recognition of their contributions to the development of the wine region.

Roly Birks from Wendouree, Neil Paulett from Paulett Wines, Andrew Pike from Pikes Wines, Stephanie Toole from Mount Horrocks wines, and Peter Barry from Jim Barry Wines were all inducted.

Barry has been at Jim Barry Wines for 40 years, having served as chair of the Clare Valley Winemakers Inc. for four, two-year terms.

His induction was in recognition of his significant contributions to the region, including his involvement in projects such as the initiation of the screwcap in Australia, and removing the use of the term riesling for non-riesling wines, which elevated the wine’s status around the nation.

Awards were given in recognition of significant long-term contributions made to the Clare Valley wine region. Photo: Supplied

Barry was one of the first Australian winemakers to work in China in 1983, helping establish a winery in Tsingtao, where he said he had to first teach people “where the Clare Valley was, in relation to Sydney and the Barossa”.

“We put Clare on the world wine map and seeing where we are today fills me with pride,” Barry said.

“The Clare Valley Wine Industry is the only organisation I have been part of for my entire working life.

“I was 24 when I was first nominated as the chair, and I enjoyed working with like-minded people to help promote Clare to an international audience,” he said.

“I consider myself very fortunate to dedicate my life’s work to this wonderful place we call home.”

Other awards on the night included the Winemaker Award which went to Adam Eggins from Taylors Wines, the Viticulturist Award which was awarded to Alister Sandow from Blenheim Proprietors, and the Rising Star Award which went to Andrew Kenny from Kenny Wines.

The Regional Ambassador Award went to Warrick Duthy, who is involved in the Watervale Epicurean Society, Watervale General Store, Watervale Hotel & Providore and Penebscot Farm.

Part owner of the Watervale Hotel and a director of Kilikanoon Wines, Duthy is the chair of the Clare Valley Alliance, Clare Valley tourism’s peak body, and advises The Lane in the Adelaide Hills.

Duthy and Nicola Palmer, the hotel’s executive chef, said their “every day philosophy is driven by our desire to see the Clare Valley become the most desirable wine tourism destination in Australia”.

Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association chair Mitchell Taylor said the judges “took note of the individuals ongoing contribution to both the Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association, as well as the Clare Valley wine industry”.

“It [the awards] provided an ideal stage to recognise individuals in our region who have demonstrated remarkable dedication and substantial impact in the realms of winemaking, grape growing, marketing, and service provisions throughout their careers,” Taylor said.