THREE Clare Valley winemakers have been shortlisted as top upcoming talents in the industry.
Damon Koerner of Koerner Wines returns to the Young Gun of Wine (YGOW) Top 50 winemakers in Australia for 2019 after a top 12 finish last year.
He was joined in the top 50 by Steven Baraglia, of Naked Run Wines & Place in Time wineries, and Michael Corbett, of Sanglier Wines.
They are among 19 winemakers from South Australia in the top 50, with 13 from Victoria, eight from Western Australia, seven from New South Wales/ACT and one from Queensland.
This year’s judging panel tasted about 250 wines over two days at King & Godfree, to determine the Top 50 list.
“I can say, hand on heart, these awards have built an incredible network of support and leadership around the new and emerging winemaking scene in Australia,” judging panel leader, Nick Stock said.
“Whether directly or through simple observation, the winemakers that have been recognised in recent years mentor and inspire a talented pool of others in the space.”
The Final 12 will be announced late April, with the public then being able to decide the “People’s Choice” via tasting events in Sydney and Melbourne.
The winners will be announced at an invitation-only trophy presentation in Adelaide in June.
• Pictured: From left to right: Damon Koerner of Koerner Wines, Steven Baraglia, of Naked Run Wines & Place in Time and Sanglier Wines’ Michael Corbett.
