State's Tourism Chief Toast Of The Show
Illawarra Mercury
Tuesday July 22, 2008
NSW Tourism minister Matt Brown will wear a new hat this year as patron of the Kiama Regional Wine Show.
The Member for Kiama accepted the invitation from the Kiama Show Society and performed his first duty at Crooked River Winery on Friday when he officially called for entries for 2008.Mr Brown welcomed the opportunity because he said it allowed him to help champion the growth of the region's wine tourism industry.He said he had supported the Kiama Regional Wine Show for years and regularly attended the presentation dinner.He also saw it as an opportunity to promote viticulture as a viable agricultural industry in the region.Kiama Regional Wine Show chairman Sandy Rendel said Mr Brown's decision to accept the invitation to become patron reflected his personal commitment to the Shoalhaven Coast wine industry.The show is in its fifth year and for the fourth time has secured the services of one of Australia's most respected wine judges.Keith Tulloch is chairman of judges and Kiama-based business JAi Events will once again be event manager.Directors Ian and Carole Johnston said this year's show was shaping up to be the biggest and best ever staged because the quality of wine being produced in the region appeared to be improving.Crooked River Estate's Brian Jackson said he was looking forward to entering the wine show which he hoped would give his winery even more to celebrate in its 10th anniversary year."We now produce 40 different table wines," he said.Judging will take place at the Grand Mercure Kiama Blue on September 17 and the gala awards dinner will be at Bellachara Boutique Hotel in Gerringong on September 20.Contact Carole Johnston at carole@jaievents.com.au
© 2008 Illawarra Mercury
