Environment Dr. Don Martin Sustainable Viticulture Fellowship
The Don Martin Sustainable Viticulture Fellowship commemorates influential Tasmanian viticulturist Dr. Don Martin and is open to an industry professional working in Tasmania.
On Saturday evening, 8 October 2011 the Premier, the Honourable Lara Giddings presented the inaugural $10,000 Don Martin Sustainable Viticulture Award to Paul Smart of Pressing Matters Wines, Coal River Valley.
Paul was selected from three finalists judged by a panel of five Tasmanian wine specialists.
Wine Tasmania's panel representative, David Sanderson, said that the standard of each applicant's proposal was extremely high "making it a tough choice for the panel".
The finalists for the award were:
• Ms Jennifer Doyle, Vineyard Manager, Frogmore Creek Wines
• Mr John Schuts, Senior Winemaker, Winemaking Tasmania
• Mr Paul Smart, Winemaker and Viticulturist, Pressing Matters
The $10,000 Don Martin Sustainable Viticulture Fellowship was initiated to commemorate influential Tasmanian viticulturist, Dr Don Martin. The Fellowship is available to Tasmanian-based practicing professionals working in Tasmania's wine sector to encourage research across viticulture / oenology. Its intent is to provide an individual with the opportunity to undertake national or international travel for study or practical activities that will benefit the Tasmanian wine sector through innovation, sustainability and best practice.
The Fellowship was possible through a generous bequest from Dr Martin to the Alcorso Foundation, a great friend of Claudio Alcorso both of them sharing a passion about improving wine grapes grown in Tasmania. Through this fellowship Dr Martin's bequest provides valuable opportunity for individuals in the Tasmanian wine sector to explore leading sustainable practices outside Tasmania and share that knowledge for the benefit of the broader Tasmanian wine sector.
According to Wine Tasmania's, David Sanderson, there was very little to separate the three finalists for 2011. "There can, however only be one winner and the panel elected to grant the inaugural fellowship award to Paul Smart of Pressing Matters," he said.
Paul Smart will undertake a residency in France where he will attend a three-day workshop on "the Biocontrol of Plant Disease" in Reims, France as well as undertake two intensive stagiares with wine producers in Burgundy and Alsace.
Paul has thirteen years experience in the wine industry and believes strongly in sustainability and integrated pest management for vineyard management.
His time in Europe will avail him a range of skills that would enhance current vineyard management in Tasmania. "Some vineyard owners in Europe have been in the business for generations and I am keen to learn from them about their vineyards' sustainability including biological controls and integrated pest management," he said.
Ms Giddings congratulated the finalists and the partners whose support made the Award possible.
‘This Award will add to the high reputation of the Tasmanian wine industry, as we show our commitment to sustainable production methods', Ms Giddings said.
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