Sarah’s Star is Rising in the Australian Wine Industry

Hunter Valley girl Sarah Crowe has been named ‘Rising Star of the Year’ at the Hunter Valley Legends and Wine Industry Awards held on 28 May 2009. On a night when legendary wine maker, Fay McGuigan, was also honoured for her outstanding contribution to the industry, Sarah was recognised as an aspiring star of the Hunter Valley Wine Industry. The award recognises the recipient’s outstanding contribution over the preceding twelve months, showing vast results and achievements.

A trip to France introduced Sarah to the wonder of wine and the nature of some of the world’s greatest vines. On her return she contacted Brokenwood Wines and made her way to the Hunter for what was initially only a few weeks, learning vine management where she then embarked on a university degree in Viticulture at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga studying part time while working in the field.

During harvest 2002 Sarah spent six weeks working in the winery while the fruit was being harvested. She was hooked by the wonders of wine and winemaking and never returned to work in the vineyard. A few vintages later she became Brokenwood’s Assistant Winemaker. Sarah has also furthered her knowledge with two northern hemisphere vintages in North America and France.

The third annual Hunter Valley Legends and Wine Industry Awards were held at Wyndham Estate, Dalwood on Thursday, 28 May 2009. The evening celebrates and recognises the hard work and dedication by the men and women of the region who are passionate about making the best wines in the country.

Mr Iain Riggs, Chairman, Hunter Valley Legends and Wine Industry Awards said, “We are very fortunate to have so many talented and passionate people who work hard to continue the high standard of winemaking in the region which was set by the Hunter Valley legends and pioneers. The awards ensure we recognise and celebrate those that are at the forefront of the Industry and highlight their achievements.”

Sarah considers herself a Hunter girl through and through and loves the finesse of young Hunter Semillon and the complexity and evolving nature of aged Hunter Semillon. She is firmly entrenched at Brokenwood and the Hunter Valley has become her home.