Stars shine on Saracen

Saracen Estates was the star of the Margaret River Wine Awards last Thursday evening, hosting the dinner and taking out the most successful exhibitor award.

More than 220 guests enjoyed canapes and champagne on arrival before being shown to the main dining area where they were served a main course while sampling last year’s award-winning wines.

The association presented life membership to David and Heather Watson of Woodlands Wines and Department of Agriculture former chief viticulturalist Bill Jamieson for their outstanding contributions to the Margaret River wine industry.

James Harris from KarriBindi won the Viticultural Excellence Award and the winner of the Sensory Evaluation Award was Emma Gillespie, who will join the association for the 2011 wine show as an associate judge.

A record number of medals were awarded at this year’s wine show, including 51 gold, 91 silver and 280 bronze.

The production crew of Farmer Wants a Wife were there to capture Windance Wines winemaker Melia Brent-White and her three suitors who attended the awards.