Marananga magic

Whistler Wines 2022 Atypical Shiraz has won the Cooperages 1912 Trophy for Wine of Show at the 20th Marananga Wine Show.

The show received 129 wine entries from 32 producers, seven of whom were first-time exhibitors.

The inaugural show in 2004 attracted 58 entries – and notably no Grenache class.

The judging took place at the Gnadenfrei Lutheran Church hall on Thursday 24 August.

Medals were awarded to 66 percent of the entries, with 16 gold, 21 silver and 44 bronze medals.

Funds from the wine show are donated to local secondary school wine programs at Nuriootpa High School and Faith College.

“In reflecting on the 20 years of Marananga Wine Show, I am particularly grateful for the spirit of community that exists in our western Barossa, and the sense of community that exists in the Marananga Wine Show,” chair Cathy Wills says.

“It’s a joy to meet with our friends and neighbours each year to celebrate the fruit of our soil, the art of our grapegrowers and winemakers, and the joy of living and working in this amazing community.”

The judging panel included chair Natasha Mooney, panel members Katie Spain and Glenn Barry, and associate judge Lauren Hutton.

The volunteer Marananga Wine Show committee comprises Jack Weedon (chief steward), Graeme Wellman, Liam O’Dwyer, Belinda van Eyssen, Sam Pfeiffer, Peter Neldner, Phyllis Vosgerau and Detlev Vosgerau.