Winemaker crowned

YARRA Valley De Bortoli Winemaker Steve Webber has been crowned Gourmet Traveller WINE’S Winemaker of the Year for 2007.
Mr Webber is the first Yarra Valley winemaker to pick up the prestigious award, which he has been nominated for three times, the first in 2004, and the second time in 2006.
Since assuming responsibility for the winemaking at De Bortoli’s Yarra Valley operation in 1989, Mr Webber has expanded the winery’s annual production from just 2600 cases to 400,000 cases.
His iconoclastic approach to winemaking has included challenging the idea that the best wines should be matured in new oak, choosing instead to use conditioned barrels for his Estate and Reserve wines, picking earlier and ripping out existing vineyards and replanting with grapes better suited to the site.
The Gourmet Traveller WINE Winemaker of the Year 2007 award was judged by a panel of the magazine’s regular contributors, including leading wine experts Huon Hooke, Andrew Caillard MW, Nick Bulleid MW, Peter Bourne, Sophie Otton and Peter Forrestal.
“We’re absolutely delighted to award Steve with Gourmet Traveller WINE’s prestigious Winemaker of the Year award,” Judy Sarris, editor of Gourmet Traveller WINE, said.
“His phenomenal skill and know-how make him a truly deserving winner.”
Mr Forrestal, chairman of the Gourmet Traveller WINE Winemaker of the Year judging panel, said Steve and his wife Leanne were creating a legacy.
“It’s rare for Australian winemakers to articulate this as their raison d’être,” Mr Forrestal said.
“For the sheer quality of his wines and so much more, Steve Webber deserves the Winemaker of the Year title.”