Wine pioneer awarded trophy for outstanding service to the industry

Granite Belt wine identity John Robinson was today presented with the 2008 Bassett Award which recognises a major contribution by an individual to the Queensland wine industry.

Tourism, Regional Development and Industry Minister Desley Boyle presented him with the prestigious trophy at today’s Wine Industry Development Strategy Steering Committee meeting.

“John Robinson is a legend in the industry. He and his wife Heather were among the first people to introduce into Queensland the premium grape varieties of chardonnay, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon,” Ms Boyle said.

“They established Robinsons Family Vineyards at Ballandean in 1969. Prior to that, John lived and worked in Europe which ignited his passion for wine.

“He produced his first commercial Queensland wine in 1975 – a Cabernet/Shiraz/Pinot Noir blend which went on to win the Gold Medal at the Brisbane RNA Show that year.

“Since then, there have been numerous other awards and recognition on a local and national level. The winery is particularly known for its Vintage Brut sparkling wine.”

Ms Boyle said that the Robinsons helped lay down the foundation for what is now is Queensland’s most established and critically acclaimed wine region.

“John is one of Queensland wine’s true believers and his family’s tireless efforts have ensured the region’s wine industry and associated tourism industry have prospered,” she said.

“Today there are more than 50 cellar doors dotted throughout the Granite Belt. Robinsons Family Vineyards was one of the first. This award is a fitting tribute to John’s many achievements.”

John and Heather now operate Robinsons at Noosa bed and breakfast which serves Robinsons Family Vineyard wines. They also sell the wines at Eumundi Markets while son Craig has taken over as chief winemaker at Ballandean.

“Winemaking is a family tradition for the Robinsons and it goes back a long way. Heather’s family established Saltrams Winery in South Australia’s Barossa Valley in 1859,” Ms Boyle said.

The Bassett Award is named after wine industry pioneer Samuel Bassett who established Bassett’s Winery at Roma in 1863 and went on to win many medals for his wines, including 10 of the 11 awarded at the 1901 Royal Brisbane Show.

Recipients are chosen for their achievement and leadership in areas such as industry development, technology, marketing and media, development of quality products/systems, research and development, and training and skill development.

The previous winners of the Bassett Award are: Angelo Puglisi, Ballandean Estate (2003); Peter Scudamore-Smith MW, Uncorked and Cultivated (2004); Bob Grey, Rumbalara Estate (2005); Terry Morris, Sirromet Wines (2006); and Michael Platsis, Michael’s Riverside Restaurant (2007).

5 November 2008

Photo of trophy presentation available on request.
Minister’s office: 3224 2007 or 3225 1005

John Robinson: 5449 1675