DREW TUCKWELL SHORTLISTED FOR HALLIDAY WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR

26 Jun DREW TUCKWELL SHORTLISTED FOR HALLIDAY WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR

Printhie Wines is proud to announce that Winemaker Drew Tuckwell has been shortlisted for Winemaker of the Year in the 2027 Halliday Wine Companion Awards.

The nomination recognises Drew’s outstanding contribution to Australian wine and his pivotal role in shaping the reputation of Printhie Wines over the past 19 years.

Since joining Printhie in 2007, Drew has overseen a period of remarkable growth and achievement, helping establish the Orange region as one of Australia’s leading cool-climate wine destinations. His influence has been particularly evident in the development of the Swift Sparkling collection, which has earned acclaim from critics and consumers alike and become one of Australia’s best sparkling wine portfolios.

“Since joining Printhie Wines in 2007, Drew Tuckwell has been instrumental in shaping the estate’s rise to national and international prominence. His expertise in sparkling wine is particularly distinguished, most notably through the Swift range, which has earned critical acclaim for its finesse and complexity, positioning Printhie among Australia’s leading producers of traditional method sparkling wine.” – Shanteh Wale Halliday Wine Companion Reviewer

The shortlist announcement follows a landmark result at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards, where the Swift Blanc de Blancs 2011 was awarded a Platinum Medal. Widely regarded as one of the most influential wine competitions in the world, Decanter awarded just 16 Platinum Medals globally in the Sparkling Wine category this year.

Printhie Wines Proprietor Ed Swift said the nomination was a fitting recognition of Drew’s contribution to the business. “Since joining Printhie, Drew has brought an extraordinary level of dedication, skill and passion to his craft. He has helped define our winemaking philosophy and has been instrumental in establishing Swift as one of Australia’s leading sparkling wine brands.

“To see him recognised by Halliday Wine Companion as a finalist for Winemaker of the Year is incredibly rewarding and thoroughly deserved.”

For Drew, the nomination reflects a collective effort. “Winemaking is always a team endeavour,” he said. “I’m fortunate to work alongside a small but mighty team, and I’m grateful for the support of the Swift family, whose commitment to quality has enabled us to continually pursue excellence.”

The Halliday Wine Companion Awards celebrate the most outstanding contributors to Australian wine each year, with winners to be announced in Melbourne on 19 August 2026.

For Printhie Wines, Drew’s nomination represents not only recognition of individual excellence but also validation of a long-term commitment to producing world-class wines from one of Australia’s premier cool-climate regions.