Bites

One of the most passionate members of Mount Barker’s wine community has received the 2005 Ian Tyrer Award.

Tony Smith of Plantagenet Wines and Bouverie Estate cut his teeth during Plantagenet’s first vintage in 1975 and was an integral in the company’s expansion.

He served as the first president of the Mount Barker Frankland Wine Producers, later renamed the Great Southern Wine Producers Association.

He was also instrumental in the formation of the Western Australian Grape Growers and Winemakers Association in 1978 and served on the Wine and Grape Industry Advisory Committee in 1985.

The ‘Ian Award’ as it has become known, is awarded in memory of Ian Tyrer, who received the George Mulgure Award in 2003 for outstanding service to the wine industry just months before his death.

Mr Tyrer’s family believe it is fitting the award bears his name, given the dedication and support he gave to the Mount Barker and Great Southern wine regions.

The award is considered the highest honour bestowed by the Mount Barker wine community.

• • •

For those who see dessert with more than a passing fancy, Cafe at the Hyatt is presenting Desserts of the World from July 2-19.

The line-up features American hazelnut fudge, English pear and port wine trifle and Turkish Delight.

• • •

It may all be a bit doom and gloom for those in the wine game but the industry continues to forge ahead in one of the areas it has always been regarded as unique – technology.

WineTech, one of the industry’s most important trade events, will be held in Adelaide from July 20 to 22.

The event is this year perhaps more important than ever, as industry members from all parts of the viticultural and oenological fraternities gather to share information and ideas on the latest trends and technologies associated with the wine sector.

WineTech is held every two years, with more than 140 exhibitors presenting more than 600 domestic and international brands to 2,400 visitors in 2003.