NGERINGA’S 2019 Single Vineyard Iluma Syrah from the Adelaide Hills has prevailed at the 2021
Australian Organic Wine Industry Awards, taking home the coveted Cullen Trophy for Wine of
Show, as well as the top prize for Red of Show.
Hosted by Australian Organic Limited (AOL), the Awards, announced on Friday 8 April, celebrate
the unique wines and talented winemakers who are collectively driving the growth and success of
Australia’s organic wine industry.
In total, 53 organic and biodynamic wine producers from 38 regions across Australia submitted 238 bottles of the nation’s finest organic wines for judging in the Awards program.
The record number of entries showcased 75 varieties of grapes across eight vintages, with the
winners and medalists decided by an eminent panel of wine judges including Mike Bennie, Alex
McPherson, Josh Martin, Ramon Arnavas, Lilly Heenan and Millie Gosney, joined by Olivia Evans,
inaugural recipient of the Australian Organic Wine Awards Associate Scholarship.
2019 Ngeringa Single Vineyard Iluma Syrah, Ngeringa, Adelaide Hills
2020 Gnadenfrei White, Tscharke Wines, Barossa Valley
“The quality and variety of the wines presented during the judging was inspiring and exciting, while the varying backgrounds and experiences of the panel also brought something different to the judging.”
The diversity of Australian organic wines spurred the judges to this year create new and unique
categories, including Best Newcomer, Best Left of Centre Wine, Best Park Wine and Best Chillable
Red, to sit alongside the traditional Wine of Show and Red and White of Show.
Growing on the northern slope of Mount Barker’s summit is Ngeringa’s Iluma Vineyard and home
to the winning Wine of Show and Red of Show, the 2019 vintage Single Vineyard Iluma Syrah.
Ngeringa’s accomplished and humble wine maker, Erinn Klein, was surprised when he learned
they had won the awards stating they don’t often enter wine shows, but rather focus on making
wines that represent their ‘terroir’.
The ‘terroir’ Mr Klein refers to is the reflection of site, soil, aspect, variety, season and minimal
winemaking influence that gives the wine its unique character and is farmed using biodynamic and organic principles.
“The Single Vineyard Iluma Syrah comes from our most special and expressive terroir resulting in
low cropping, well balanced vines that consistently produce our highest quality wine,” Mr Klein
said.
“What makes it special is that it is produced from healthy soils and vines, and we use minimal
intervention to allow optimum expression.”
Originally part of the world-renowned Jurlique herb farm, Ngeringa produces around 40 tonnes of
wine each year with wines available online, at the cellar door, or from numerous independent bottle shops and restaurants throughout Australia.
AOL Chief Executive Officer, Niki Ford, congratulated the 2021 Australian Organic Wine Award
winners and finalists for their outstanding results.
“Each of these winemakers thoroughly deserves to be recognised for their commitment to
producing high-quality wine in a sustainable way and as nature intended,” Ms Ford said.
“The winemakers take great care of their vineyards and work extremely hard to maintain
certification and create diverse and exceptional wines of the highest standard.
“It’s these wines that are gaining an enviable reputation here at home and overseas, with certified
organic wines now accounting for 10 per cent of Australia’s certified organic exports.”
The winners have received a case of Cullen wines, Riedel decanter and a special feature article in
Gourmet Traveller WINE.
Australian Organic Wine Industry Awards 2021 Winners:
Cullen Trophy Wine of Show, Red of Show and Gold Medal
2019 Ngeringa Single Vineyard Iluma Syrah, Ngerina, Adelaide Hills
White of Show and Gold Medal
2020 Gnadenfrei White, Tscharke Wines, Barossa Valley
Best Newcomer, Silver Medal
2021 McHenry Hohnen Apiary Block Chardonnay, McHenry Hohnen, Margaret River
Best Park Wine, Silver Medal (Top of Class)
2021 Hailstorm Special Pet Nat, Minimum Wines, Toolamba
Best Left of Centre Wine, Gold Medal
2020 Colossus of Harry, Minimum Wines, Toolamba
Best Chillable Red, Silver Medal
2021 See Saw MARGE, See Saw Wine, Orange
A full list of winners can be found here. An announcement video for winners has been released on the AOL YouTube page.
Media enquiries:
Hannah Hardy
hannah.hardy@bluehillpr.com.au
0421 196 004
Kate Scott
kate.scott@bluehillpr.com.au
0438 389 092
