L-R Sue Hodder, Ian Hollick and Allen Jenkins. Image courtesy Coonawarra Vignerons

Three Coonawarra vignerons were inducted as the region’s newest Patrons on Saturday, at a gala dinner event celebrating the 20th anniversary of Cellar Dwellers at Parker Estate.

Wine industry icons Sue Hodder, Ian Hollick and Allen Jenkins were formally awarded the honour, which acknowledges their years of service and contributions to, promotion and development of the Coonawarra wine region.

Coonawarra Vignerons president Dan Redman highlighted the criteria that qualified the nominees for this accolade.

“The honour of Patron of Coonawarra is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contribution, commitment and service to the Coonawarra Wine Region over many years, above and beyond the requirements of their own job or business.

“Their energy and enthusiasm for the region is infectious, with an open-minded attitude for the future and a willingness to see change for the betterment of the region as a whole. As leaders in their respective fields they’ve served as mentors, offering guidance throughout their careers to many of today’s wine leaders.”

In inducting three new Patrons, the Coonawarra Vignerons recognised their past Patrons: Eric Brand (deceased), Ken Ward (deceased), Colin Ross-Smith (deceased), Colin Kidd (deceased), and current Patrons: Doug Balnaves, Doug Bowen, Wendy Hollick, Bruce Redman, Michelle Stehbens and Greg Clayfield, who were all in attendance on the night.

In announcing the induction of Sue Hodder, Ian Hollick and Allen Jenkins, Redman recognised each of their contributions.

“Each recipient has demonstrated an enormous effort in elevating Coonawarra and contributing to the wine region’s success. They are all truly worthy of this accolade,” said Redman.

Several Coonawarra Vigneron members were then invited to introduce the inductees. Fellow winemaker and long-time colleague Sarah Pidgeon introduced Sue Hodder.

“Her tenure in Coonawarra started in 1993 under the guidance of Peter Douglas, and in 1998, just 5 years later, she became the winery’s first female senior winemaker,” said Pidgeon.

“Over the years Sue has received countless awards and recognitions to make her one of the most celebrated Winemakers in Coonawarra. Sue has proudly represented Coonawarra and the Australian Wine Industry both domestically and internationally.”

“On a regional scale, her contribution to the research, development and assessment of new clones and rootstocks for the next generation of Cabernet Sauvignon in Coonawarra has been significant.”

“She is so very deserving of this honour, her commitment and dedication to this region is unwavering,” Pidgeon added.

Victor Patrick, long time compatriot and fellow viticulturalist introduced Ian Hollick’s induction, likening his advocacy of the region to that of a torch bearer.

“Ian arrived in Coonawarra to work for Mildara Wines in 1972. Together with Colin Kidd and myself, he shaped the vineyard development of Coonawarra for the next 20 years by introducing new trellis systems, mechanical pruning and mechanical harvesting to the region.”

“Not only that, Ian is attributed with designing the first mechanical pruning operation in Coonawarra,” said Patrick.

Hollick and his former wife Wendy bought land in 1974 to establish their own Coonawarra vineyard – now more commonly known as Hollick Estates – winning the highly converted Jimmy Watson Trophy for the Hollick Cabernet Sauvignon on multiple occasions 1984 and 1985.

“The success of these accolades propelled Hollick Wines beyond the domestic Australian market and by 2003 they were exporting to over 23 different countries and in doing so promoting Coonawarra as a quality and premium brand to the world. He has long been and continues to be a proud torch bearer for Coonawarra,” said Patrick.

More broadly, Hollick’s contribution to the wine industry was also highlighted, as a founding member of the Australian Regional Winemakers’ Forum in the early 1980’s, chair of the Australian Regional Winemakers’ Electorate, member of the Australian Winemakers Federation, board member of the Australian Wine Export Council, former chair of Tourism South East and foundation member of the Coonawarra Vignerons Association.

Allen Jenkins’ induction was announced by his former colleague Dr Catherine Kidman.

“Allen was appointed Wynns Viticulturist in 2001, and for the next 20 years was a strong contributor to the Coonawarra and Limestone Coast Wine Regions,” said Dr Kidman.

“During his career, he established a reputation as a fine developer of people. Under his guidance he nurtured and mentored the careers of many of today’s wine leaders – myself included” Kidman said.

The merger of the Coonawarra Vignerons and Coonawarra Grape Growers Association in 2013 saw Jenkins assume the role as President of the new Coonawarra Grape and Wine Incorporated (CGWI).

“Allen played an important role in bringing the two organisations together,” Kidman stated.

He also held the position as chair of the Limestone Coast Grape and Wine Inc. and played a key role in the ongoing advocacy efforts of the water allocation plan to ensure the long-term viability of the region’s precious groundwater.

Sue Hodder, Ian Hollick and Allen Jenkins were each presented with a badge and framed certificate commemorating their patron induction.

In accepting the award, Hodder said she felt fortunate to live in such a ‘supportive, successful and forward-thinking’ winemaking community,

“I am delighted and humbled to be acknowledged that my time in Coonawarra has been recognised, when truly the privileged has been all mine,” Hodder said.

Hollick shared Hodder’s sentiment in that he was thrilled to be acknowledged for all the effort made on behalf of Coonawarra and the broader industry through his working life and that his endeavours weren’t forgotten.

“I may no longer reside in the region, but Coonawarra – and its wines, remains a place that I will forever be passionate about. I am honoured to be a Patron, and will with pride continue to support its endeavours.”

Jenkins said he too felt incredibly humbled and honoured.

“I hold [the] Coonawarra community in the highest regard. To be awarded such an esteemed accolade by the Coonawarra wine industry is a very humbling experience,” said Jenkins.

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