Raise A Glass For Quality
Sydney Morning Herald
Tuesday September 2, 2008
This couple made an immeasurable impact on Australian wine.
AS PARTNERS in business and life, Rob and the late Judy Hirst nurtured their "family" of staff, producers and customers in the liquor industry for more than 30 years. Their role in raising the standards and professionalism of wine service and championing quality wines, especially those by boutique Australian producers, has been recognised in the Good Food Guide Award for Professional Excellence.Judy lost a long battle with cancer a year ago but her legacy lives on alongside her husband's continuing commitment to the restaurant industry through his work at wine and liquor merchant Fine Wine Partners.Rob joined his family's premium spirit and beer company, Tucker & Co in 1976. He had already worked as a chartered accountant, seen active service in the Vietnam War and completed an MBA. With a vision for quality products and service, he moved the company in a new direction, adding Australian and imported fine wines to its existing beer and spirits portfolio.Meanwhile Judy, an occupational therapist and psychologist, retrained in communications and, in 1985, joined the Tucker board to take over public relations and promotions.Here, her flair, professionalism, attention to detail and creativity gave the company an edge in a competitive market.That same year, Rob took over as chairman and managing director and a number of mergers followed, forming a new national company, Tucker Seabrook.In 2005, it merged with Lion Nathan Wine Group's Distinguished Vineyards, to create Fine Wine Partners.Ground-breaking initiatives were among the Hirsts' great industry contributions. They began trade days around the country with winery principals taking part, launched the Australian Wine List of the Year Awards to recognise excellence in restaurants and they supported many educational bodies including the Institute of Masters of Wine in Australia.This year, Rob helped revitalise the Wine List of the Year awards and bring an international sommeliers' diploma to Australia.Long-time supporters of Restaurant & Catering Australia, the Hirsts sponsored many awards and, in 2005, they were inducted into the industry body's NSW Hall of Fame. Rob ran the business and Judy cast her net wider. She wrote for leading food magazines and became active in the Food Media Club Australia. She mentored many people in wine, food and fashion, nurturing and encouraging new talent. Together they built or launched such leading brands in Australia as Bollinger, Henschke, Brokenwood, Petaluma, Croser, Bowen Estate, Taltarni, Clover Hill, Coriole, Sandalford, Element, Peter Rumball, Villa Maria, Pikes, Bannockburn, By Farr, Cockatoo Ridge, Cape Mentelle, Cloudy Bay, Joseph Drouhin, Paul Jaboulet, Nederburg, Absolut, Campari, Skyy, Teachers, Chateau Tanunda, Grolsch, Hahn and Grand Marnier. Rob received the award last night. Judy lives on in every glass of these drinks poured.
© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald
