Turon White, from the Adelaide Hills Wine Show committee will join the judging panel at the Mornington Peninsula Wine Show. Photo: Ben Macmahon

In a demonstration of regional collaboration, the Mornington Peninsula Wine Show and the Adelaide Hills Wine Show have announced an associate judge exchange for their upcoming events. The wine shows said this initiative underscores their commitment to promoting and encouraging the next generation of wine industry leaders, as well as facilitating knowledge sharing between these two cool climate wine regions.

At the Mornington Peninsula Wine Show, which will take place on October 29-30, Turon White will join the judging panel led by chief judge Dan Buckle. Recognised as one of the most exciting young winemakers from the Adelaide Hills, White gained experience in the US and Hungary before returning home to be head winemaker at The Lane Vineyard. He is now focusing on his own brand, Turon Wines.

White said he was ‘thrilled’ to be contributing to the Mornington Peninsula Wine Show.

“Here in South Australia, we have few other cool climate regions with whom we can share ideas,” said White. “This is a wonderful opportunity to exchange thoughts and delve into similar grape varieties as we grow in the Adelaide Hills. Gaining experience as a wine judge is also an important part of developing as a winemaker.”

In exchange, Charles (Charlie) Warne, winemaker at Ten Minutes by Tractor, will return to his hometown of Adelaide to judge at the Adelaide Hills Wine Show from November 17-20. Warne has also gained experience in the US at Willamette Valley, Oregon, and worked with Bondar Wines, Treasury Wine Estates, and Paringa Estate before taking on his current role at Ten Minutes by Tractor.

Warne was also enthusiastic about the exchange. “It’s a fantastic chance to refine my palate, gain deeper insights into Adelaide Hills wines, and connect with others in the industry,” he said.

“The exchange program between our two regions is an excellent initiative, fostering a lasting relationship that will support the growth of both cool climate wine regions.”

These exchange appointments will aim to bring fresh perspectives and foster collaborative dialogue between two regions, both known for their cool-climate wines. The exchange also aims to provide an opportunity for professional growth and networking, supporting emerging talent and fostering career development.

It was CEO of Mornington Peninsula Wine, Olivia Barrie, who instigated the idea.

“This initiative not only enriches our judging panels but also strengthens the bonds between these influential wine regions, showcasing a unified effort to address industry challenges within Australian wine,” explained Barrie.

Adelaide Hills Wine Region president, Alex Trescowthick, agreed that the initiative would be beneficial for both regions.

“A focus on cooperation over competition between regions is one of the key strengths of the Australian wine industry,” said Trescowthick.

“Supporting each other’s efforts to successfully deliver our regional wine shows will benefit both regions in our pursuit of the highest quality in cool climate styles.”

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