Stephen Shelmerdine awarded for service to the wine industry

(Published on Wine Business www.winebiz.com.au)

Long-time wine guru and industry advocate Stephen Shelmerdine was awarded this year’s Victorian Wine Industry Association distinguished service award during the VWIA’s annual conference last month.

Association chairman, Chris Pfeiffer, presented Mr Shelmerdine with the award.
“No one can underestimate how Stephen has shaped the industry,” said Pfieffer.
“He has offered a tremendous contribution at industry, state and federal levels.”

Mr Shelmerdine, who owns vineyards in Yara Valley and Heathcote and has been a key player in the industry for decades, was joined by his family to accept the award during the day-long conferences at Yering Station.

He boats a long line of accolades including being the president of the Wine Federation of Australia, a board member for Wine Australia as well as the past chairman and treasurer of the VWIA, proving his continuing commitment to both the industry and the association.

“What a surprise,” said Shelmerdine. “I’m stunned and amazed. “I haven’t had time to write a long and tedious speech … thank you. “I am honoured to receive this.

“Doing this is not about our own recognition or self promotion but it’s very special to be recognised by your industry colleagues and peers.

“I believe in the wine of Victoria.

“We have a huge burden to have the responsibility of taking Australian wine into the future as we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.

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