Jacob’s Creek, the World’s Most Awarded Winery in association with Barossa Grape & Wine Association (BGWA), and in conjunction with over 55 Barossa wineries recently hosted 45 international Masters of Wine (MW’s) at the Under a Barossa Sky dinner in Australia.

45 international Masters of Wine (MW’s) were surprised and delighted when one of their own, Dr Josef Schuller MW, was inducted as the first international Honorary Baron of Barossa at the Under a Barossa Sky dinner, held at Jacob’s Estate, on Saturday 10 October, 2015.

The initiative highlights the authentic spirit that Jacobs Creek celebrates across the world and reflects the effort and dedication the wine brand invests in crafting premium quality wines.

In India, Jacob’s Creek recently presented its unique global concept of ‘The Reserve Table’ for the first time in India. The Reserve Table experience was extended to key markets in the country, starting with the first ever ‘Longest Reserve Table’ in New Delhi and Bangalore in March, 2015.

“As key international wine influencers, the impressions and knowledge that the MW’s take home with them will resonate for years to come around the world. It was imperative for us and our members to present the complete story of the Barossa; its people, flavours, landscape and of course, wines,” said James March, Chief Executive, BGWA. BGWA crafted the MW’s Barossa experience into two elements; The Barossa Wine Chapters tasting followed by the Under a Barossa Sky dinner.

Hosted by 15 Barossa winemakers, the MW’s earnt their dinner undertaking the Barossa Wine Chapters tasting which showcased 48 leading Barossa wines themed according to, for example, a Generations, Old Vines or Barossa Grounds connection and story. From lesser known styles and varieties, through to better known Shiraz and other iconic wines, this was a collection of Barossa wines rarely seen in one place together. James Handford MW, commented, “Great to see such good young growers. They are properly good at what they do.”

The tasting was followed by the Under a Barossa Sky dinner, hosted by 40 Barossans at a long table dinner. The menu, created by Jacob’s Creek Executive Chef, Veronica Zahra, was inspired by original recipes used by early German settlers including Ann Jacobs’ Cockatoo Pie and house made Kümmel Käse, complemented by Barossa wines. One of the guests, David Allen MW, said “We were almost overwhelmed with the extraordinary hospitality from the Barossans. They were so generously spirited.”

The Barons of Barossa, adding colour and movement to the dinner proceedings by parading through the guests in their robes, then inducted Dr Schuller as the Honorary Baron of Barossa. Dr Schuller, from Burgenland in Austria, is the Director of the Austrian Wine Academy. “I am humbled and delighted to join the Baron’s and creating a linkage for Barossa through Austria and Europe” said Dr Schuller.

“It was a great opportunity and privilege to host the MW’s in the Barossa, 30 years after their original Wine Flight,” said James March. “The MW’s are now making their way back to their homes around the world, with the most up to date knowledge of the evolution of the Barossa wine community and story having made many connections with Barossa wineries, to use in the months to come.

Source : Lokesh Shastri