A RIVERLAND vineyard has received national recognition for its innovation at Young Gun of Wine's inaugural Vineyard of the Year awards.
Ricca Terra Caravel Vineyard, established by viticulturist Ashley Ratcliff, was named the Innovative Vineyard of the Year - winning a trophy dubbed 'The Groundbreaker'.
The award judges said Mr Ratcliff had "almost single-handedly redefined the possibilities and expectations of the Riverland as a wine region, defying the quantity over quality reputation".
They were impressed by Mr Ratcliff's efforts to use viticulture practices common in premium winegrowing regions, and decision to plant grape varieties suited to the local climate.
The Caravel Vineyard is his newest venture, and is presently in conversion to organics. The vineyard was planted to largely celebrate Portuguese varieties.
The judges said Caravel was a testing ground for innovative practices, offering "a new blueprint for not just the Riverland to follow, but for so many other regions that are feeling the effects of climate change".
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The inaugural awards also honoured several interstate vineyards, with Swinney Vineyard, Frankland River, WA, crowned Vineyard of the Year, Place of Changing Winds, Macedon Ranges, Vic, winning New Vineyard of the Year, and Old Vineyard of the Year going to Best's Concongella Vineyard, Great Western, Vic.
The judging panel comprised Peter Dry, Mardi Longbottom, Irina Santiago-Brown, Max Allen, Mary Cole and Mark Walpole.
Vineyard inspectors were also engaged in each state, with Chris Penfold handling the SA entries.
Mr Allen said the awards were a great opportunity to "shift the focus of our national wine conversation from how wines are made to how they're grown".
He described judging the awards as "both the most exciting and most frustrating experience".
"Exciting because it made me realise - or, rather, reminded me - how much great work is being done out there in vineyards across Australia: so many people are going to such extraordinary lengths to look after their land, to make their vines more resilient, to produce better, more distinctive wine," Mr Allen said.
"And frustrating because it was almost impossible to narrow such a strong field down to just four winners."
Dr Dry said the competition showed Australia was home to many outstanding vineyards and vignerons
"We have chosen four winners on this occasion, but there are many other 'winners' out there who are equally deserving," he said.
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