Another Friday night, another evening by the harbour. It’s fair to say that Sydneysiders are so blessed when it comes to spectacular backdrops for their entertainment that it’s easy to become a little blasé. It takes a special night out and a special location to make a real impression on this tough crowd. And when 250 wine lovers from Sydney (not to mention a fair few canny visitors from around Australia) descended on Darling Harbour’s Coast Restaurant and Bar that is exactly what they got.

‘You’re not as old as you thought you were’ our invitations told us (a reference to the increased aged limit for Young Winemaker of the Year entrants) and it was a theme that was to run throughout The Wine Society Young Winemaker of the Year Gala Evening. Gone was the black tie formality and sit-down meal of previous years, replaced by an altogether more relaxed and youthful ‘cocktail style’ evening.

But the informal glamour of the glorious rooftop setting, the sparkling harbour views and even the exquisite and decidedly moreish canapés were just part of an impressive supporting cast. It was the wines and their creators that were the real stars of the show.

Once all the guests had arrived we were introduced to this year’s ten finalists by Gillian Hyde, the Wine Society’s Head of Membership and our MC for the night. The formalities over, we were invited to taste their wines, and so the serious (and seriously enjoyable) business of the evening began. Guests revelled in the freedom to flit between wine stations, chat with winemakers, hit the dance floor and generally get into the party spirit.

Starting my own personal wine journey with the Jim Barry Wines Lodge Hill Riesling 2011 made by Luke Steele was a mixed blessing. So beautifully did its crisp acidity and citrus palate complement the perfectly shucked and deliciously creamy Sydney Rock oysters that it was extremely hard to move on. But having finally prised myself away, I discovered another fabulous wine and perfectly matched canapé at every station. Highlights were many – no one knows how to match food and wine quite like the Wine Society – but those that live longest in the memory were the delicate flavours of a wonderfully fresh kingfish crudo paired with the pure intensity of the Seppelt Drumborg Vineyard Chardonnay 2008 and the honey/marmalade sweetness and cleansing acidity of the Orlando Wines Gramps Botrytis Semillon 2008, which together with the creamy saltiness of the Cashel Blue cheese proved a match made in heaven.

By the time we were called back inside for the announcement of the winners, all the guests had had ample opportunity to try all the wines and pick their personal favourites. So the excitement was palpable as once more Gillian took to the stage, this time with last year’s winner Anna Pooley, to put the nervous finalists out of their misery. And the results certainly didn’t disappoint, with Jo Marsh pulling off the unprecedented feat of taking out both the Sommeliers’ Choice and the Members’ Choice awards with her Seppelt Drumborg Vineyard Chardonnay, and Dan Swincer winning the big prize of Young Winemaker of the Year for his fabulously seductive Gramps Botrytis Semillon.

With results announced, all that was left was to congratulate the winners (and indeed all the finalists), go back to our favourite wine stations, celebrate the winemakers and enjoy the fruits of their labours until all too soon the clock struck midnight and it was time for carriages. Some party goers headed home for a much needed rest, others headed out into the Sydney night to continue the celebrations. And two extremely skilled winemakers left with trophies in their hands and big smiles on their faces, their talents recognised and their already extremely bright futures looking just that little bit brighter.

Congratulations to Dan Swincer who took the title of Young Winemaker of the Year and Jo Marsh who won both Sommeliers’ and Members’ Choice Awards.

A huge thank you to all involved in a fantastic night.

The wines are showing brilliantly and we are thoroughly enjoying our task as judges.

Sommelier judging is taking place in both Melbourne and Sydney on Tuesday and there are 3 Sydney Members’ Choice tastings taking place around the city. Wines are en-rout to our four industry judges – Ian Riggs, Brian Walsh, Tom Carson and John Belsham to decide who will wine the big one – Young Winemaker of the Year!

This is just the start, so stay tuned for the latest updates over the next four weeks of judging.

Since completion of his studies in 2003 Dan has worked in the Barossa, Napa Valley, Coonawarra and Sunraysia before commencing his role within the white and sparkling winemaking team at Orlando Wines in August 2006.  During this time he has had exposure to the vast range of wines, regions and styles within the Orlando Wines portfolio.  He is also a passionate promoter of wine domestically and overseas, was an associate judge at the 2010 Royal Adelaide Wine Show and will do so again at the upcoming 2011 show.  He doesn’t profess to have a favourite variety as it tends to be whatever he is working with most at the time.

In that time, Dan also got married to his lovely wife Alicia, who he meet while working in the Napa Valley, and lives in Tanunda with their son Sam.

Luke is Co-Chairperson of the Education Sub-Committee of the Clare Valley Winemakers Incorporated. Recently he has been an associate judge at the Clare Valley and Adelaide Hills Wine Shows.  At Jim Barry Wines, Luke is accountable for crafting all the dry Rieslings, including their flagship, “The Florita”.  He is also responsible for the Shiraz program and is hands on in producing the critically acclaimed “The McRae Wood.”

Wine has taken me to many great places, from regions of South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania to the fascinations of Europe and the USA. Most recently, I worked with Mitchelton Wines in Central Victoria as Senior Winemaker where my great love for Rhone styles and varieties was nourished. Along the way, I’ve enjoyed some humbling reward for my devotion.

My new wine vision, Ben Haines, is a journey of discovery inspired by the glorious diversity of Victoria’s wine regions. My “perpetual vineyard exploration” aims to offer wines of different origin year to year in collaboration with the passionate custodians of these vineyards. Each wine offers my interpretation of these special places, and of the variety. Chosen sites are those I believe possess great interest, charm and depth, – and capture a sense of mystique. All explorers need a base – a spiritual home. Mine is Victoria’s Yarra Valley, but my exploration goes well beyond. It is a global one – a true journey of discovery around the world.

Two Rivers of Marlborough is named after the two rivers that have influenced David’s life; the Awatere River where he spent his childhood and the Wairau River which he now lives alongside.

David has scoured the Wairau and Awatere valleys to select his vines – not just vineyard by vineyard, but row by row, being picky about soils, climate, orientation and all manner of variables including the grower’s viticulture philosophy.

“My focus is to make pure, varietal, fruit driven wines which also have elegance, texture and complexity. Quality wines which truly reflect the terroir of Marlborough and best suit our local cuisine.”

With 11 gold medals awarded in the past 18 months there are exciting times ahead for David and his label Two Rivers of Marlborough.