Veteran winemaker Greg Clayfield has been honoured by the Coonawarra Vignerons Association.
Clayfield - a long-time Coonawarra winemaker and resident - is the latest Coonawarra Patron, recognised for outstanding contributions to the organisation, his promotion of cabernet and the Coonawarra wine region.
“Greg is truly worthy of this accolade," said outgoing Coonawarra Vignerons predident Peter Balnaves. "He epitomizes a 'can do' attitude with little fuss and fanfare, demonstrating plenty of professionalism and an enthusiasm for the Coonawarra wine region.
Clayfield first worked in Coonawarra in the 1970s for Lindemans, where he enjoyed a long career. Between 1991 and 2005 he managed the Rouge Homme and Wynns wineries
He has held many positions within the Coonawarra Vignerons Association over the years, including the role of chairman.
He joins a list of patrons that includes Eric Brand(dec) , Ken Ward (dec), Colin Ross-Smith (dec) , Colin Kidd (dec), and current patrons Doug Balnaves, Doug Bowen, Wendy Hollick, Bruce Redman and Michelle Stehbens.
Clayfield twice won the Jimmy Watson Trophy, an award given for the best one- or two-year-old red wine in Australia in 1981 and 1986, and was International Wine and Spirit Competition Winemaker of the year in 1988.
He joined Zema Estate as chief winemaker in the mid 2000s, retiring in 2017 and after 43 vintages in the region.
“Greg was the best Coonawarra winemaker of our time as the accolades and recognition he received certainly prove," said Nick Zema.
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