Local winemaker recognised by Gourmet Traveller WINE

Local winemaker recognised by Gourmet Traveller WINE

Owner and Winemaker of Hunter Valley based Gundog Estate, Matt Burton has been nominated as a 2021 Winemaker of the Year finalist by Gourmet Traveller WINE.

The August/September 2021 issue of Gourmet Traveller WINE announced the final four finalists in its 2021 Winemaker of the Year Award.

“Our finalists for 2021 are all exceptional winemakers in their own right, championing region and site expression – all in the name of quality,” Gourmet Traveller WINE said.

Finalists are selected by a highly respected, industry leading judging panel who are also contributors to the magazine. The panel is led by Peter Forrestal and includes Toni Paterson MW, Huon Hooke, Peter Bourne, Nick Bulleid MW, Andrew Caillard MW and Sophie Otton.

“To be considered for Australia’s most prestigious wine industry award is utterly humbling and tremendously exciting,” Matt said.

“As a small family owned boutique producer, I am so proud of my super-talented team who help bring our winemaking dreams to life. This nomination is just a fantastic validation of what we do.”

In his published commentary on the selection of Matt Burton as a finalist, Peter Bourne praised Matt’s approach to winemaking and his business.

“Burton has an entrepreneurial streak with two small, warm and inviting cellar doors: one in old Pokolbin schoolhouse on MacDonald’s Road, aptly named Gundog Hunter Cellar; and Gourmet Pantry and Cork St Cellars in Gundaroo,” Peter said.

“The Gundog Estate offerings go beyond wine, with local gourmet products such as olive oils, curry pastes, spice rubs, pasta, dressings and even muesli.

“He takes his winemaking seriously, focusing on three varieties: the Hunter stalwarts, Semillon and Shiraz, along with Riesling from the Canberra District. Burton’s philosophy has been shaped by the wineries where he’s worked and the (generous) mentors with whom he has shared a glass or three. Matt is enamoured with the traditional Hunter ‘Burgundies’ of yesteryear,” Peter concluded.

In 2010, just a decade into his career, he took the leap and established Gundog Estate with few assets but an abundance of hope and enthusiasm. The rest has been well-earned success at all levels.

Matt is a man of integrity and compassion and has shared his fiscal achievements by supporting Path 2 Change, a charity that creates programs for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

He acknowledges our changing climate by partnering with Fifteen Trees to assist with the regeneration of the environment.

Matt said mastery of a craft is a lifetime’s work and he feels like he is only halfway there.

“Winemaking has not only allowed me to indulge my passion and creativity, but it has also provided a platform to affect positive change in our community via our social and environmental sustainability efforts, which are equally important to me,” he concluded.

This is the 24th year of the Gourmet Traveller WINE Winemaker of the Year award which has only been awarded to a Hunter Valley Winemaker once before.

The award is sponsored by Perpetual with winners to be announced at a dinner to be held on 30 September at Black Restaurant, Star City.

IMAGE | Owner and Winemaker behind Gundog Estate, Matt Burton.

Gundog Estate

Gundog Estate is a boutique producer of premium wines specialising in Semillon and Shiraz. Gundog Estate is owned and managed by Matt Burton and they operate cellar doors in the Hunter Valley, NSW and Gundaroo, NSW. The wines of Gundog Estate have been awarded many wine show medals and continue to receive widespread critical acclaim in Australia and abroad. Gundog Estate has been consistently awarded a 5-Star winery rating by leading Australian wine critic, James Halliday for the past six years.

Trending Articles

Advertise with us

Affordable and engaging advertising to a business community

Submit an article

Tell your story to the Hunter business community

Does your business need a little help with its marketing?

Marketing strategies

This website uses cookies
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services.