Legendary palate acknowledged

Wine industry veteran Andrew Caillard MW was today named a "Legend of the Vine" at the Sydney Royal Wine Show trophy winners lunch.

Caillard was honoured for his years of contribution to the Australian wine industry as a writer, judge, consultant, winemaker and film maker, among his many roles.

He said he was “honoured and humbled” by the recognition.

Caillard has worked to building the industry as an auctioneer, commentator and international advocate for Australian wine.

WCA executive officer Andrew Stark said of the announcement: “WCA is delighted to be able to honour Andrew’s many contributions to the wine industry. We all know his work with Langton’s, with the Penfolds Rewards of Patience program, his contributions to the industry as a judge, writer, and advocate.

"He was also the driving force behind the Red Obsession and Blind Ambition movies, and has provided countless hours of unheralded work assisting wineries improve their businesses.”

Caillard is a Roseworthy graduate, as well as the winner of the prestigious Madame Bollinger Medal for excellence in wine tasting in the course of graduating as a Master of Wine.

He founded Langton’s Sydney and continues to be involved in the business. He stays involved with his auctioneering past by running the Barossa auction events, as well as continuing to write, commentate and promote wines.

He is the 10th person to be awarded Legend of the Vine status in NSW, and joins a list that includes Sandra Przibilla, Lyndey Milan, Huon Hooke, Clive Hartley, Iain Riggs, Rob Hirst and David Lowe.

Blind Ambition: a wine story to uplift

Master of Wine Andrew Caillard is one of the smartest cookies in the wine business.

Not only does he have a great palate, he is a prolific writer, a co-founder of Langton's, author, winemaker and is also involved in the film industry.

Caillard's latest role is as associate producer of the recently completed Blind Ambition, a feature-length documentary film which is scheduled for theatrical release in March.

The story is about four Zimbabwean sommeliers and their quest to compete in the world blind wine tasting competition in Burgundy.



The film was produced and directed by Warwick Ross and Rob Coe of Third Man films. Production was completed almost two years ago but the pandemic interfered with its distribution.

Blind Ambition recently won the audience award at both Tribeca (New York) and Sydney Film Festivals.

“This is quite a big deal as it the story has obviously resonated with many people from all walks of life,” Caillard says.

“Blind Ambition is not really a wine film, but a story about refugees, proud of their country and profoundly displaced, yet courageous and noble in their aims to represent Zimbabwe in the unusual forum of an international wine tasting competition!

“I spent some time with Joseph, Tinashe, Marlvin and Pardon, the main protagonists of the film, at various stages of filming.

“I often reflect on those times as the experience has profoundly shaped my perspectives about the displaced and the disadvantaged. Blind Ambition is definitely a film for our age!”

Blind Ambition will be released on March 3.