The Margaret River Wine Association has honoured Clare and Keith Mugford of Moss Wood with its coveted Lifetime Achievement Award.
It recognises their four decades of outstanding winemaking and pivotal role in shaping Margaret River wine globally.
The Award was presented at the Margaret River Wine Show Gala Lunch on Friday 30 October at Aravina Estate.
The Award recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to the wine industry.
“The Margaret River Lifetime Achievement Award is peer-nominated by the local industry,” says chair of the Margaret River Wine Association, Peter Campbell.
“Clare and Keith Mugford, as winemakers, viticulturists and proprietors of Moss Wood, have made consistent, highly acclaimed Margaret River wines over four decades, and are amongst the longest-serving winemakers of any fine wine estate in Australia,”
“Under their leadership, Moss Wood wines, and the Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon in particular, have become Australian benchmarks, celebrated for exceptional quality, consistency and longevity.”
Moss Wood was the second vineyard planted in Margaret River in 1969 by Dr Bill and Sandra Pannell.
In 1979, Roseworthy College graduate Keith Mugford arrived at Moss Wood to take up the role of winemaker and viticulturist.
Clare joined Keith Mugford at Moss Wood in 1984, and the couple became managing partners of the business.
In 1985, they acquired Moss Wood from the Pannell family.
“Quiet achievers, Clare and Keith Mugford’s meticulous and uncompromising approach to excellence, led to their early adoption of innovative vine management practices and vinification techniques that have helped raise wine quality standards, and the aspirations of wineries in Margaret River over generations,” Peter said.
“Beyond the vineyard, Clare and Keith Mugford have been tireless ambassadors for Margaret River wine, actively participating in trade and education missions since the 1980s, and playing a foundational and influential role in Margaret River’s national and international presence.”
Clare and Keith Mugford said, “We are thrilled, honoured and humbled to have our contribution to the region and to Margaret River viticulture and winemaking recognised with this award. Thank you.”
It was the 21st presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
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