ASVO winner’s impact on wine industry ‘tangible and genuine’

Oakridge Wines senior viticulturist Steve Faulkner was named Viticulturist of the Year at the 2025 ASVO Awards for Excellence in Adelaide last night.

Samantha Connew was named Winemaker of the Year.

Founder of the social media network group @Viticulture_Australia more than five years ago, Steve sees the value in bringing people together to share knowledge and love for their job.

A graduate of Wine Australia’s Future Leaders program, Steve’s positive impact on the industry is tangible and genuine.

“Inspiration comes from a lot of places over the course of one’s career,” he said.

“The AWRI and the ASVO have been a continual source of information helping all of us to make the right decisions at the right time.

“These industry bodies are of massive benefit to everyone.”

Steve thanked those who guided him, including Don Faulkner, Hugh Robinson, Chris Pfeiffer, Stuart Proud, Darren Morgan, Liz Riley and David Bicknell.

“David’s quality-first view fits perfectly with my own, and his support inspires me daily,” he said.

“His decision to hire me at Oakridge is the reason I’m able to receive this award today.”

Samantha Connew, who owns and runs Stargazer wines in Tasmania, is recognised for her huge commitment to volunteering her time and expertise back to the industry, particularly to reward excellence in others.

She was the youngest judge and first woman to serve as chair of judges at the Sydney Royal Wine Show and is the current chair of judges at the Royal Adelaide Wine Show.

She serves as a tutor and on the Board of the Len Evans Tutorial and has previously served on the board of Wine Tasmania and the advisory board of the Australian Women in Wine Awards.

Admitting to feeling humbled and overwhelmed, Samantha’s positive attitude shone through.

“This has been a challenging year for me personally and professionally (as it is for so many in the wine industry right now) so to be awarded this accolade by my peers is a timely reminder of why we do what we do despite the obstacles, and what a great industry this is to be a part of, and how I’m fortunate to be able to contribute,” she said.

She added some advice to winemakers who are early in their career, with a quote by German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: “Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”

The ASVO 2025 Wine Science and Technology Award was presented to Kerry Wilkinson.

Kerry is the ARC Industry Fellow and Professor of Oenology at the University of Adelaide where she has dedicated her last 18 years on education and research.

Kerry said, “I’m honoured to receive this award, and privileged to work with an amazing team of research staff, students, and collaborators. It’s really special to have our research acknowledged. I love my job and enjoy the challenge of applying science and technology to solve new and old industry problems.”

Maggie Jarrett, originator of the concept of the Rootlings wine industry youth network in NSW, was the deserving recipient of the new Emerging Talent Award.

Despite coming from a small family-owned winery, SeeSaw Wines, Maggie had a big idea and was willing to put in the effort to make it come to life.

“I’m truly humbled to receive the inaugural ASVO Emerging Talent Award,” she said.

“I believe the NSW Rootlings Program succeeded because we listened to the challenges facing the next generation of the wine industry and tailored the project to their needs and desired outcomes.

“It shows that when you listen to what’s happening at ground level and build from there, we [young people] can achieve anything.”