Southern Forests wines shine in WA's first-ever People's Choice awards
Southern Forest wines have made their mark on Western Australia's wine scene, with local producers dominating the State's inaugural People's Choice awards.
The Top Up wine awards are a new, consumer-driven celebration of WA wines with more than 20,000 wine lovers casting their votes over a six-week voting period.
The result was a people-powered list of the State's most loved wines, with Southern Forests producers earning 12 spots in the top 100, including the coveted number one position, which was claimed by Ampersand Estates' pinot noir.
Six Pemberton-grown pinots made the top 100, reinforcing the region's standing as a premier source for the notoriously delicate variety.
The region's diversity also shone through with Pemberley prosecco coming in at number 80 — the only prosecco to make the list, adding sparkle to the region's accolades.
Southern Forests Food Council chair Arthur Wilson said seeing so many local drops celebrated was a boost to the individual brands as well as the reputation of the wider region.
Lisa Radomiljac, representing the Southern Forests Wine Regions, agreed.
'This result is a resounding endorsement from consumers,' she said.
'Southern Forests producers are growing some of the most exciting wines in the State, and it's fantastic to see the public responding to that quality with such enthusiasm.'
Southern Forest wines which featured in the top 100
#1 – Ampersand Estates Pinot Noir#2 – Cherubino Ad Hoc Nitty Gritty Pinot Grigio#19 – Picardy Pinot Noir#20 – Pemberley Pinot Noir#29 – Below & Above Pinot Noir#35 – Cherubino Ad Hoc Hen & Chicken Chardonnay#64 – Ampersand Estates Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay#74 – Bellarmine Sauvignon Blanc#75 – Below & Above Chardonnay 1#78 – Ampersand Estates Chardonnay 11. #80 – Pemberley Prosecco 12. #99 – South by South West Pinot Noir
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