Vineyard wins top award for organic drop

For Vidal Estate vineyard manager Jonathan Hamlet picking up a trophy for his wine at the Hawke's Bay A&P; Mercedes-Benz Wine awards was special enough - but being the only organic winemaker to feature gave it extra gloss.

"Over the moon," was how he described the team at Vidal's Joseph Soler vineyard which was established in 1999 and is BioGro certified.

The Vidal Estate Reserve Series Hawke's Bay Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2011 was awarded the Champion Sauvignon Blanc trophy at last Tuesday night's awards, staged at the Waikoko Gardens in Hastings.

As the only organic wine to pick up an award, Mr Hamlet said it was a reflection of Vidal Estate's commitment to innovation.

"After a decade of establishing and fine-tuning our organic viticulture and winemaking, it is such great recognition for the innovation and perseverance that has taken place," he said.

"At Vidal, sustainable production is very much a core value, and goes hand-in-hand with the passion to make wine of the highest quality."

In accepting the award he gave "a big thanks" to the entire Vidal winery team for "all their effort and talent".

He also thanked Sir George Fistonich in his acceptance speech for his dedicated support of the organic production.

Mr Hamlet said that as an organic vineyard, the focus was on minimal intervention, enhancing soil growth and working with nature rather than against it.