Vintage ’24 in Orange. Image courtesy Tamburlaine Organic Wines

A near decade-long winning streak has been broken at the NSW Wine Show, with Tamburlaine Organic Wines taking out the top trophy for its 2023 Reserve Orange Syrah—shaking up the trend of Hunter Valley wines garnering the top prize.

Chair of judges Adam Walls described the wine as “a brilliant example of cool-climate Shiraz”. “The judging team not only loved its latent power but also its structure and balance,” said Walls.

Trophies were awarded to winners across seven different wine regions, from the Hunter Valley to Mudgee, Canberra, and the Riverina. However, it was a particularly strong showing for the Orange region this year, as its producers walked away with seven trophies in total, including for Best Pinot Gris, Best Pinot Noir, Best Shiraz, Best Cabernet Sauvignon and Best Organic Wine.

The NSW Wine Awards Ceremony was held in Sydney on Friday, where the Graham Gregory Award was also presented.

Recognising individuals who have made a positive and ongoing contribution to the NSW wine industry, the 2023 Graham Gregory Award was awarded to Christina Tulloch.

“This year’s recipient is someone who has continually given back to the industry through leadership roles across the wine and tourism sectors,” said NSW Wine in a statement to media. “The first female president of the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association, Destination Sydney Surround director, Wine Australia committee member and CEO of Tulloch Wines in the Hunter Valley, Christina Tulloch has made an enormously positive contribution to her region and the industry.”

The NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty gave Tulloch her congratulations and thanked her for her “significant contributions” to the NSW wine industry.

“The Graham Gregory Award is the highest honour within the wine industry, recognising those who have made significant contributions to winemaking, education, and market development,” said Minister Moriarty. “Christina’s achievements in these areas truly reflect the values of this award, and we are proud to celebrate her impact on both the local and national stages.”

NSW Wine president Mark Bourne added that Tulloch was “an incredibly well-deserving recipient” of the award.

“Recognising far-reaching and ongoing contributions to the wine industry, Christina’s leadership in the Hunter Valley and at a state and national level across both wine and tourism has left a positive mark on the NSW wine industry,” said Bourne. “NSW Wine thanks Christina for her service and her commitment to the industry.”

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