Hooke to Chair Macquarie 2007 Margaret River Wine Show
A new name, a new Chairman and the return of a new friend with a focus on Chardonnay will ensure the Macquarie 2007 Margaret River Wine Show remains one of the best regional Wine Shows in Australia.
The new name recognises its new major sponsor Macquarie Bank. The sponsorship is a joint arrangement between two Macquarie divisions – Macquarie Private Wealth and Macquarie Investment Lending.
Association President Ron Fraser welcomed Macquarie on board.
“Macquarie and Margaret River are a good partnership as we have a number of similarities. Both were established in the late 1960’s and both started from humble beginnings by people passionate about quality, reputation and our brand,” Mr Fraser said.
The Western Australian Head of Macquarie Private Wealth, Rob Johnston said the Margaret River Wine show was one of the premier festivals on the West Australian calendar and Macquarie was proud to be associated with such an outstanding event. He said he was sure many of Macquarie’s clients would make the most of the opportunity to attend the Show.
The Head of Sales and Marketing for Macquarie Investment Lending, Peter van der Westhuyzen said Macquarie had considerably grown its business in Western Australia and it made a lot of sense to give back to the community and support an exceptional event like the Margaret River Wine Show.
Esteemed Sydney Morning Herald wine writer Houn Hooke has accepted the role of Chairman of Judges. A Roseworthy wine marketing graduate and journalist, Mr Hooke is one of Australia’s most respected wine writers with more than 20 years experience.
Following last year’s 24 per cent increase in entries and anticipating a further rise, the Wine Show will expanded from two to three Judging Panels in 2007. The panels will be led by Mr Hooke, Yalumba Senior Winemaker Louisa Rose and Chris Pfeiffer, owner of Victorian-based Pfeiffer Wines.
They will be joined by Dr Tony Jordan of Domain Chandon, Melbourne wine retailer Philip Rich, Houghton’s winemaker Ross Pamment, Ferngrove winemaker Kim Horton, wine writer and retailer Alex Hudak and International Judge Bill Baker from the UK.
Returning after his popular visit in 2006, Mr Baker will use his extensive knowledge of international Chardonnays to conduct a focused Winemakers Master Class. Participants will be able to compare and contrast Chardonnays from Margaret River to those from around the world.
At last year’s Wine Show Mr Baker ‘challenged’ Margaret River’s style of Chardonnay. The Master Class will allow the region’s style to stand against some of the world’s best.
In other new developments, all trophies have been given equal significance to reinforce the importance and achievement of each award.
Due to their popularity, the two Non-Commercial classes will remain, giving grape growers, amateur winemakers and winemaking students an opportunity for feedback on their wines.
The Macquarie 2007 Margaret River Wine Show Exhibitor Schedule will be released in August. Judging takes place November 28 and 29, with the Awards Dinner on November 29 at Xanadu Wines.
