Gundog Estate

In some good news out of the Hunter Valley, owner and winemaker of Hunter Valley based Gundog Estate, Matt Burton, has been nominated as a 2021 Winemaker of the Year finalist by Gourmet Traveller WINE.

Announced in the August/September 2021 issue of Gourmet Traveller WINE the final four finalists in its 2021 Winemaker of the Year Award. have been selected by a highly respected, industry leading judging panel who are also contributors to the magazine.

“Our finalists for 2021 are all exceptional winemakers in their own right, championing region and site expression – all in the name of quality,” Gourmet Traveller WINE said.

Matt's philosophy has been shaped by the wineries where he’s worked and the (generous) mentors with whom he has shared a glass or three and has placed his focus on three varieties: the Hunter stalwarts, Semillon and Shiraz, along with Riesling from the Canberra District. 

In 2010, just a decade into his career, Matt took the leap and established Gundog Estate with few assets but an abundance of hope and enthusiasm. The rest has been well-earned success at all levels.

“To be considered for Australia's most prestigious wine industry award is utterly humbling and tremendously exciting,

“As a small family owned boutique producer, I am so proud of my super-talented team who help bring our winemaking dreams to life. This nomination is just a fantastic validation of what we do."

For those yet to visit Gundog Estate what you discover is an offering beyond wine, the cellar door provides visitors with local gourmet products such as olive oils, curry pastes, spice rubs, pasta, dressings, even muesli, together with hand-made chocolate balls filled with Gundog Estate shiraz and muscat, and a bespoke Gundog Dry Gin and Hunting Ale.

Matt is a man of integrity and compassion and has shared his fiscal achievements by supporting Path 2 Change, a charity that creates programs for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. He acknowledges our changing climate by partnering with Fifteen Trees to assist with the regeneration of the environment.

“Winemaking has not only allowed me to indulge my passion and creativity, it has also provided a platform to affect positive change in our community via our social and environmental sustainability efforts, which are equally important to me."

This is the 24th year of the Gourmet Traveller WINE Winemaker of the Year award which has only been awarded to a Hunter Valley Winemaker once before. The award is sponsored by Perpetual with winners to be announced at a dinner to be held on 30 September at Black Restaurant, Star City.