There’s always a story behind a good bottle. For Adrian Rodda, it’s a Chardonnay from the King Valley that now carries two of Victoria’s highest honours. His 2023 Baxendale Chardonnay has taken out both the Premier’s Trophy and the Premier’s Choice Award at the 2025 Victorian Wine Show—the first time the same wine has claimed both titles in the same year.
Premier Jacinta Allan, Agriculture Minister Ros Spence, and Member for Eureka Michaela Settle were all on hand to congratulate Rodda and other regional producers at the event, which puts a spotlight on winemakers from across the state. Rodda, based in Beechworth, sources grapes from a range of top-tier vineyards. This year’s winning batch came from the elevated Baxendale Vineyard at Whitlands in the King Valley—a site known for its cool climate and quality fruit.
The twin trophies are more than personal recognition for Rodda. They reflect a broader celebration of regional excellence and Victoria’s deep roots in wine production. “Victoria is home to some of the finest wine makers,” said Premier Allan. “Their work strengthens the economy, creates jobs, and positions the state as the Australian leader of premium, homegrown wine.”
The numbers support the claim. Victoria’s wine industry contributes $9.5 billion annually to the state’s economy. That includes jobs on vineyards, in wineries, and at cellar doors—as well as the flow-on effects from wine tourism. It’s an export product, a dinner-table companion, and a source of local pride.
Minister Ros Spence highlighted the government’s backing for the sector, pointing to the $4.5 million Wine to the World export program and a new Victorian Wine Strategy on the way later this year. “We back our local wine producers and their high quality products,” she said. “We’re proud to produce some of the best wines in the world.”
Michaela Settle, whose electorate includes parts of Victoria’s wine country, echoed the sentiment. “Tonight’s event showcases the quality and the diversity of our state’s incredible wine offering, from Heathcote to Gippsland.”
The judging process, coordinated by the Victorian Wine Show, brought together experts including winemakers and sommeliers to select the standouts from the regional wine circuit. It’s no easy task—the range of styles and grape varieties grown across the state makes for a competitive and wide-ranging field. But this year, the panel was clear: the Baxendale Chardonnay stood above the rest.
Chardonnay, which has sometimes suffered from trend fatigue in recent years, appears to be enjoying a quiet renaissance—especially when grown and vinified with finesse. Rodda’s winning entry is said to reflect the cool-climate purity and balance that many drinkers are now rediscovering.
The awards come at a time when Australia’s wine sector is navigating both domestic and international pressures. From shifting consumer tastes to tariff tensions and climate variability, there’s no shortage of challenges. But events like this remind us of the resilience and creativity within the local industry.
Whether you’re a sommelier, a supermarket buyer, or just someone who likes a decent drop with dinner, this year’s Victorian Wine Show sends a clear message: the best wines aren’t just coming from the usual suspects. They’re coming from every corner of the state, made by people who understand their soil and their craft.
More details on the award winners can be found at victorianwineshow.com. For a broader look at Victoria’s wine industry, visit winevictoria.org.au. You might just discover your next favourite vintage—or at least, a good excuse to plan a weekend trip.
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