Kyberd Estate – led by local winemaking veteran Michael Kyberd – won Best Small Winemaker at the 2024 Mornington Peninsula Wine Show.
Open to wineries producing under 20 tonnes, the trophy recognises consistent quality, with Kyberd Estate scoring an impressive average of 91.3 across its entries.
The award underscores the value of smaller producers contributing unique character to the regional wine scene.
Following last week’s honour for Paringa Estate founder Lindsay McCall – who received the Legend of the Vine title – Paringa Estate captured three of the eight top trophies.
It won Best White Varietal or Blend for its 2023 Viognier, Best Pinot Noir for its 2022 Estate Pinot Noir (winning for a second consecutive year), and Best Red Varietal for its 2023 Shiraz.
Montalto celebrated victory in the Sparkling category with its 2017 Cuvee One, a testament to the region’s cool-climate sparkling wine potential.
A key feature of the Mornington Peninsula Wine Show is the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Provenance Awards, which recognise sustained quality across vintages.
Yabby Lake claimed the Chardonnay Provenance trophy for its Single Vineyard Chardonnay, spanning vintages 2023, 2019, and 2017.
For the third year in a row, Montalto secured the Pinot Noir Provenance Award with its Pennon Hill Pinot Noir (2023, 2022, and 2017 vintages), with the 2022 vintage previously awarded Best Red Wine at the Sydney Royal and National Wine Shows.
Chief Judge Dan Buckle praised the wide array of varietals and styles at this year’s show, noting how the region’s distinct sites and microclimates foster an impressive diversity of wines.
“The Mornington Peninsula is renowned for its exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay,” Buckle said.
“Yet it was exciting to see vibrant sparkling wines, cool-vintage Pinot Gris and Shiraz, all showcasing the unique character of the region’s individual sites.”
This year’s presentation lunch was held at the Tucks and Montalto Restaurant, bringing together close to 80 wine producers.
Best Sparkling Wine
Montalto Estate 2017 Cuvée One
Best Rose
Pt. Leo Estate 2024 Rosé
Best White Varietal or Blend
Paringa Estate 2023 ‘Estate’ Viognier
Best Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
Foxeys Hangout 2024 Lee Bros. Pinot Gris
Best Chardonnay
Port Phillip Estate 2023 Single Block Morillon Chardonnay
Best Pinot Noir
Paringa Estate 2022 ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir
Best Red Varietal or Blend
Paringa Estate 2023 Peninsula Syrah
Best Small Winemaker
Kyberd Hills
Chardonnay Provenance Award
Yabby Lake Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2023, 2019, 2017
Pinot Noir Provenance Award
Montalto Pennon Hill Pinot Noir 2023, 2022, 2017