The National Wine Show of Australia honoured James Halliday at the National Wine Show dinner on June 16, 2023. The below piece is courtesy of the National Wine Show of Australia and was written by committee chair, Andy Gregory.
Nobody has had more of an impact on Australian winemaking than James Halliday AM.
Australia’s most respected wine critic, wine writer, vigneron and senior wine competition judge has been the driving force behind Australia’s global recognition as a nation to be reckoned with when it comes to producing outstanding wines.
James’ breadth of knowledge, which he has passed on through more than 70 books on wine including his world-famous Halliday Wine Companion, is staggering.
His mentorship, support and guidance of Australian winemakers, wine judges and wine writers cannot be underestimated in terms of its influence in shaping a vibrant and exciting industry that today produces some of the world’s best wines, and is populated by dedicated, passionate people who are always striving for the best.
The National Wine Show of Australia is honoured to have had James Halliday’s patronage for more than 40 years.
In 1981 James joined the show as a judge, under the chairmanship of BJ Barry and with a committee that included the esteemed likes of Peter Lehmann, Max Lake and James’ great mate, Len Evans. James has served as Chair of Judges several times in the show’s 48-year history.
In 1995 James joined the show’s advisory panel and, to our eternal gratitude, he has never left.
James’s advisory panel stewardship has transformed the show from its humble beginnings in 1975 into what is now widely recognised as the nation’s most important wine awards, one of few in the world whose federated model means only wines that have already won gold or silver medals in qualifying regional and city shows make it to the judging table.
The rigour and governance behind the National Wine Show ensures we attract not only the very best wines in Australia each year, but the very best judges. Having James Halliday’s name so closely associated with our show has helped in no small measure.
It is impossible to put a value on James’ contribution to the National Wine Show of Australia, and to the Australian wine industry as a whole. Tonight, however, we would like to take the opportunity to honour James’s outstanding contribution in support of the National Wine Show of Australia.
We hope you will all join us in raising a glass to the guiding light of the Australian wine industry – Mr James Halliday.
Thank you James, for everything.
Andy Gregory
Committee Chair, National Wine Show of Australia
