HORTICULTURE expert and former member of the Coonawarra wine community Victor Patrick was recognised in the Australia Day Honours with a prestigious Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for tireless services to the South Australian wine industry.
Mr Patrick’s career in primary production started when he gained a Diploma of Agriculture at the University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy campus.
He also obtained a Diploma in Viticulture, Vinification, Wine Chemistry Technology at the Oenological Research Institute in Surrey, England.
After several years as a viticulturist in the Hunter Valley, Mr Patrick relocated to Coonawarra.
From 1973 to 1976, he managed the vineyard at Wynns Coonawarra Estate before becoming manager of South East Vineyards at Winegrowers Pty Ltd from 1976 to 1987.
During his professional career Mr Patrick was extensively involved in a number of industry associations, spanning a period of over 30 years.
This included sitting on the Premier’s Wine Industry Council, Australian Wine Export Council, International Trade Advisory Committee, South Australian Water Resources Council and Food and Wine Advisory Board at the University of Adelaide’s school of agriculture.
In addition, Mr Patrick was chairman for the Australian Vignerons and an integral member of the South East Catchment Water Management Board of South Australia.
Coonawarra Vignerons patron Doug Balnaves said Mr Patrick had made a significant contribution to the wine industry.
“This is due to having had wide practical experience and serving a number of wine industry associations for over 30 years,” Mr Balnaves said.
His dedication to the sector saw Mr Patrick receive honorary life membership in the South Australia Wine Industry Association in 2013.
He also received the award of merit from the Roseworthy Old Collegians Association in 2012 for his contribution to primary industry and the community.
Reflecting on his time in the area, Mr Patrick said he thoroughly enjoyed working among world-class wine producers.
“Coonawarra produces the most premium cabernet sauvignon in the world,” Mr Patrick said.
Currently, Mr Patrick is the director of the Red Dirt Estate Joint Venture, Graymoor Estate Joint Venture and Barossa Infrastructure Limited while working as a farmer at Eden Valley and Kalangadoo.
The recipient said he was very humbled to receive the medal – which he said was unexpected.
“My achievements and work in the sector could not have been possible without a number of other contributors in the industry,” Mr Patrick said.
“All my roles and positions held have involved other people and have been successful due to the efforts of others.”
Mr Patrick will receive the medal in April at Government House.
