Belinda van Eyssen was named Winemaker of the Year – and Nigel van der Zande Viticulturist of the Year – at the Declaration of Vintage in Tanunda on Sunday.
The annual event is hosted by the Barons of Barossa and includes a Blessing of the Grapes ceremony at Tabor Church – a nod to the early European settlers who planted the first vines in the region in 1843-1847 (some still thriving).
Then a procession of Barons in their colourful regalia, led by the Tanunda Town Band, paraded down the main street to the rotunda where the awards were handed out.
Belinda makes wine for the small family vineyard The Cutting, which she founded with partner Daniel McDonald in 2018.
She produces distinctive award-winning wines from varieties including Shiraz, Grenache, Cinsault and Chenin Blanc, with a focus on freshness and vibrancy that showcase the diversity of the Barossa.
Belinda is an active member of the wine community, sharing her time and knowledge.
Nigel has been working for Kaesler Wines in the Barossa for 25 years.
His focus has been to use regenerative farming practices to rebuild and restore the natural biodiversity while enhancing the quality of the fruit being produced.
Nigel has now taken this one step further with the introduction of rewilding techniques to return missing fauna links, combining his two passions for farming and the natural world.
Baron Grand Master Louisa Rose said, “The 2026 award recipients exemplify modern Barossa – honouring both tradition and innovation.
“Nominations for these awards come from the region’s winemaking and grapegrowing community, so they are an acknowledgment from their peers.”
Viticulturist Adrian Hoffmann outlined the challenges of the 2026 vintage.
“The 2026 vintage is shaping up to be one defined by resilience and precision – a season where experience, adaptability and patience have been critical,” he said.
Each year, a Baron who has passed away is honoured with a plaque to be embedded in the pavement below the Rotunda.
This year the honour went to Bob McLean, a man loved and respected by so many in the wine industry across the globe.
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