Father and son combination of Sam and Ray Costanzo (pictured below) are setting the standard for Queensland wine. At the recent 2014 Queensland Wine Awards Golden Grove was named Queensland Winery of the Year with Sam Costanzo taking out Queensland Viticulturist of the Year and Ray Costanzo Queensland Winemaker of the Year.
Of the 16 wines entered by Golden Grove 14 received medals. The Vintage Grand Reserve 2012 Durif was named Champion Wine of the Show and Champion Alternative Variety – Red Wine. The 2013 Chardonnay was named Champion Mainstream Variety – White Wine.
Other trophy winners were Lucas Estate – Champion Mainstream Variety-Red Wine with 2006 The McKinlay Cabernet Sauvignon and Clovely Estate with the Outstanding Wine of Provenance with the 2009, 2010 and 2013 vintages of their Leftfield Semillon.
Sirromet Wines was named the Queensland Cellar Door of the Year. Cellar Door of the Year was strongly contested with all entrants showing a high level of service, knowledge and presentation. Supporter Awards went to Craft Wine Store (Retailer), Aria (Restaurant). Social media (Steve Leszcznski, QWine), Press Media (Des Houghton, Courier Mail) and Community Event (Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers).
The Samuel Bassett Award for outstanding contribution to the Queensland wine industry went to Mike Hayes, winemaker and viticulturist at Symphony Hill Wines and Vine to Wine Consultancy (pictured).
The Queensland Wine Awards is a celebration of the industry – its wines and its people. In its 31st year, the Awards showcases the wines of producers from the many regions of Queensland and gives recognition to achievements within the industry. The Awards are organised by the Queensland Wine Industry Association.
