Legends Shine Bright at the 2025 Hunter Valley Legends Awards

Liz Silkman | Credit: Elfes Images

Key players of the Hunter Valley wine and tourism scene were out in full force in the first week of June, as over 330 industry guests gathered at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley for the 18th annual Legends Awards—an evening of celebration, recognition, and inspiration.

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The event honoured the pioneers, innovators, and rising talents who continue to shape the future of Australia’s oldest and most iconic wine region.

“These awards not only honour the legends of our industry—they also highlight the talent, resilience and forward thinking that defines the Hunter Valley today,” said Chris Tyrrell, President of the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association.

Awards were presented across a range of categories, including the Hunter Valley Young Achiever of the Year, Viticulturist of the Year, Cellar Door of the Year, and Winemaker of the Year.

Among this year’s standout achievers was Liz Silkman, who etched her name into the history books as the first person to be crowned Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year four times. Already a Halliday Wine Companion Winemaker of the Year, Silkman’s latest accolade reaffirms her status as a national winemaking powerhouse.

The night also saw a heartfelt tribute to Andrew and Lisa Margan, who were inducted as 2025’s Wine Living Legend and Tourism Living Legend, respectively.

Andrew Margan was honoured for his lifelong mission to elevate the Hunter Valley’s global reputation, taking on industry challenges and championing the region’s unique wine heritage. Lisa Margan, whose 30- plus years of dedication have helped shape the Valley’s vibrant food and tourism culture, was praised for her tireless support of local initiatives and community development.

As the evening drew to a close, one thing was clear: the Hunter Valley’s legacy is in capable hands, thanks to a community driven by vision, passion, and the unshakeable belief in their region’s future.

Congratulations to the complete list of winners below:

• Riedel Hunter Valley Young Achiever of the Year: Alisdair Tulloch, Keith Tulloch Wine & Aeon Wines

• PKF Hunter Valley Tourism Operator of the Year: Our Italian Table

• Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association Hunter Valley Accommodation Operator of the Year: Rydges Resort Hunter Valley

• Jurds Hunter Valley Viticulturist of the Year: Louise Eather, Tyrrell’s

• Wine Selectors Hunter Valley Cellar Door of the Year: Brokenwood Wines

• First Creek Winemaking Services Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year: Liz Silkman, First Creek & Silkman Wines

• Hunter Valley Tourism Industry Living Legend: Lisa Margan

• Hunter Valley Wine Industry Living Legend: Andrew Margan