Bondar Wines Winemaker Andre Bondar has been announced as the winner of the Basil Sellers Prize for Dux of the Len Evans Tutorial 2023.
The announcement was made at a presentation lunch at Spicers Guesthouse in the Hunter Valley last Friday, where the award was presented by James Halliday AM and Basil Sellers AM.
This was the 21st year of the Len Evans Tutorial, from which 252 scholars have graduated, many of whom have gone on to become wine show chairs, senior wine judges and industry leaders.
The Tutorial is an invaluable training group that equips scholars with the tools and skills to advance the quality of Australian wines and gives them the confidence to promote the quality of Australian wine both domestically and internationally.
Bondar, who co-chairs the McLaren Vale Wine Show Committee, will travel to Europe to visit some of the world’s most famous wine regions and producers, flying business class courtesy of the Leven Evans Tutorial’s main sponsor, Singapore Airlines.
Bondar’s wine career began in 2001 at Nepenthe in the Adelaide Hills and he has since spent time in the Northern Rhone at Domaine Allain Graillot. Speaking about the achievement, Bondar said he was honored to be named Dux of the 2023 Len Evans Tutorial.
“It was every bit as incredible as expected, with great wine after great wine blowing our minds. There was a palpable energy in the air every time we nervously walked into the judging room or the dinner hall, it was magical.
“Listening to the tutors discuss the wine and then question us about our thoughts was exciting and we learned so much. Listening to the other scholars discuss the wines was also fascinating. There was an enormous depth and range of knowledge and opinion, with a singular focus on what was in the glass.
“I am incredibly honored and proud to receive the Dux Award. However, I would like to acknowledge the other 11 scholars who all brought a positive collective energy and made the week even more memorable and enjoyable.”
From October 30 to November 3, 12 Australian wine professionals, including sommeliers, educators, trade and winemakers, tasted some of the rarest and oldest wines. The 2023 Tutorial featured five tasting sessions covering Riesling, Shiraz/Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet among others.
Masterclasses this year included Barolo led by Jane Faulkner, Wendouree led by Michael Hill-Smith AM MW, Champagne Prestige led by Tyson Stelzer, Grenache led by Steve Pannell, A Short Tour of Burgundy led by Philip Rich and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti led by Tom Carson.
Basil Sellers AM, Patron of the Len Evans Tutorial, said: “The Tutorial’s contribution to the Australian wine industry is many, but most importantly it aims to improve the quality of Australian wine and the caliber of Australian wine professionals.”
“The Tutorial showcases wines that would otherwise be largely unavailable to the 12 scholars, either because of price or scarcity. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all who attend,” added James Halliday AM, board member and founding tutor.
