Tasmania is already known for producing some of the Australia’s best wine, and the state is now home to the best viticulturalist as well.
Jen Doyle from Jansz was named Viticulturist of the Year at the Australian Women in Wine Awards event in London.
Ms Doyle joined 60 of Australia’s top female winemakers and business owners at the ceremony at Australia House in London.
Humble about her win, Ms Doyle talked up her fellow fellow finalists in the category.
They are both based in South Australia.
“Brooke Howell, of Yalumba Family Vignerons, and Melissa Brown, of Gemtree Wines, would have been equally deserving winners,” Ms Doyle said.
“They both have a wealth of experience and have been quietly achieving in their own fields of endeavour,” she said.
While this national recognition of her work will not change the way Ms Doyle operates, she said it opened up opportunities for her and other women in the field.
“It does cast some limelight on what I do,” Ms Doyle said.
“I hope that this recognition might inspire a young woman considering a career in viticulture and give her the final nudge to give her support in the knowledge that women can achieve and blossom in a field not traditionally populated by women,” she said.
Organisations like Australian Women in Wine are working hard to present the wine industry as one that has a lot to offer women.
Australian Women in Wine founder Jane Thomson said the London ceremony was pivotal for Australia’s proud wine history.
“We not only recognised the depth and breadth of female talent in our own wine community, we did so on a global stage and showed the world that Australia values and champions the many and varied roles of women in wine,” Ms Thomson said.
Ms Doyle said women brought a different mix of skills to the industry.
“Women can contribute significantly to the culture of grapevines, often with a fine attention to detail and intuitiveness,” Ms Doyle said.
“Women can bring a balance of ideas and approaches to a team and often manage people in more nurturing ways,” she said.
For women who have always considered a career in wine making or marketing, Ms Doyle has some advice.
“Tap into your sense of nature and cultivate your observational skills,” she said.
“Get out into the paddock and get some practical hands-on experience and back it up with study for a well-rounded understanding of viticulture and that of its greater environs.”
Johanna Baker-Dowdell
Johanna has more than 22 years experience as a journalist for newspapers, magazines and online publications.
Johanna has more than 22 years experience as a journalist for newspapers, magazines and online publications.
