New Honour For "A Genuine Legend"

Brian Croser AO was named a Wine Communicators of Australia SA Legend of the Vine at the Royal Adelaide Wine Show luncheon on Friday.

He started his career as a winemaker with Thomas Hardy and Sons in 1969, and he went on to found a winemaking consultancy and develop the wine science course at Charles Sturt University in New South Wales.

As a consultant and an educator, Brian had a huge influence on Australian winemakers in the 1970s and 80s, mentoring up-and-comers and shaping the community.

He was Deputy Chancellor of the University of Adelaide for eight years from 1999 and was made a Doctor of the University for his service, having received a similar honour from Charles Sturt University.

Brian has also been awarded the Order of Australia.

He received this honor in recognition of his outstanding contribution and service to the Australian and South Australian wine industry.

WCA executive officer Andrew Stark says, “Brian Croser is a genuine legend.

“His contribution to the industry is unquestionable.

“He has been a brand champion, advocate, educator and mentor for our industry over a sustained period, and has played a significant part in advancing the careers of many of today’s household names.

“We are honored to award Brian our 2021 South Australia Legend of the Vine.”

Brian is the seventh person to achieve legend status in South Australia and joins Pam Dunsford (2019), Tony Love (2018), Brian Walsh (2017), d’Arry Osborne (2016), Bill Hardy (2015) and Patrick Iiland (2014).

The Legend of the Vine Award was first introduced in South Australia in 2014, and extends across Victoria and New South Wales with annual awards issued in each state.

The nominees from each state are nominated by the WCA Board and state chapters, with the final winner determined by the WCA National Board.

‘Dont Worry Brian, The Future of Australian Wine is in Good Hands’