A LOCAL winery received a “ground-breaking” award in a nationwide competition last month that highlighted the importance of vineyards in Australia.
Barmera’s Ricca Terra winery received the Vineyard Innovation Award – dubbed ‘The Ground-breaker’ – at the inaugural Young Gun of Wine Vineyard of the Year Awards.
After a six-month search, which included multiple rounds of judging and site inspection, Ricca Terra proved it fit the winning criteria: strong leadership, ability to improve regional challenges and produce top-quality wine.
Ricca Terra director Ashley Ratcliff said it was an honour to receive the award.
“When we found out we had won, we were pretty excited,” he said.
“The judging happened over a Zoom meeting but the announcements happened in person… we had someone from the business come visit our office in the Barossa and tell us the fantastic news.
“Ricca Terra was the only South Australian vineyard to be awarded a trophy, and only four in total were presented, so it felt pretty special.”
Mr Ratcliff encouraged other wineries to go for the award.
“The Riverland has a great reputation, both nationwide and worldwide, for being an amazing wine region and this award really puts the region on the map,” he said.
“There are some amazing wineries and winemakers in the Riverland and people all over the world love what the region produces.
“There’s a bright future ahead for all Riverland wineries and winemakers.”