Wine Enthusiast has announced that Victoria has been nominated for the 2023 Wine Region of the Year at the 24^th annual Wine Star Awards.  

Victoria is recognised as having a diverse range of climates and winemaking styles across its 21 regions as well as for its focus on sustainability certification and carbon neutral reduction practices.  

Other nominees for 2023 Wine Enthusiast Region of the Year are Lambrusco, Italy, Provence, France, Charlottesville Virginia and Swartland, South Africa.   

Wine Enthusiast said: “Perhaps best known for being home to the city of Melbourne, the Australian state of Victoria boasts more wine regions than any other. Victoria’s 21 regions encompass a diverse range of climates and winemaking styles, including the famed fortified wines of Rutherglen. Add to this an aggressive stance on sustainability and reparations work with local indigenous communities, and Victoria is one of the wine world’s most exciting and progressive corners of the wine world right now. The area’s trade group recently partnered with the Australian Wine Research Institute to hold workshops to help growers become certified sustainable and carbon neutral, furthering the commitment to sustainability.”

Chair of Wine Victoria Stephanie Duboudin said: “To receive this nomination in such a class field within the global wine stage is recognition of the exceptional quality of wines we produce across the entire state.” Stephanie said. 

“We recently hosted Wine Enthusiast’s Contributing Editor, Christina Pickard on a visit to eight regions across the state. Christina was enamoured with the huge array of wine styles, the people behind them and the diverse geology, geography, and climates within our small state. Christina’s visit and this nomination is testament to how important it is for key influencers to visit and experience our wine regions and wines firsthand.”

Winemaker of the Year

The only other Australian nomination was Vanya Cullen, Owner & Winemaker at Cullen Wines in Margaret River, Western Australia.

A second-generation winemaker and winery owner, Vanya Cullen has built a reputation as one of Australia’s fiercest environmentalists working in wine. She was one of the first to adopt biodynamics and solar power, was the first to certify 100% carbon neutral and is a champion for the recognition of Indigenous lands and farming practices.

Wine Enthusiast said: “Her commitment to social and environmental initiatives is matched by her passion for winemaking, as the wines of her family’s estate have continued to enjoy consistent commercial and critical success.”

This year marks the 24th anniversary of Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Star Awards, honouring the individuals and companies that make outstanding contributions to the wine and alcohol beverage world.  

The winner of region of the year 2023 will be announced at the annual Wine Star awards in Miami on 5 February, 2024.