Success at National School’s Wine Show

Faith Lutheran College’s Mengler View Winemaking Program recently achieved outstanding recognition at the National School’s Wine Show, with their wines and distinctive labels earning high praise from judges. Among the program’s impressive achievements, the 2022 Shiraz scored 84 out of 100, narrowly missing a bronze medal by a single point. The 2023 Mataro secured a bronze medal with a score of 88, capturing judges' attention with its juicy, lighter framed style and varietal meatiness characters. The 2023 Riesling, noted for its bright and refreshing lime notes, also earned a bronze medal with a score of 85.5. A particular highlight of the show was the non-vintage Sparkling Shiraz, which achieved a silver medal with a score of 91, ranking as the second-best wine in the entire competition. Bottled in piccolos, judges praised this sparkling red for its fragrant, spicy character and classic winemaking style.

The Mengler View Winemaking Program also celebrated significant success in the label design competition. Labels designed by 2023 graduate Chelsea Schembri, crafted during her Year 11 Design studies, received a gold medal and won the esteemed CCL Label Trophy for Best Overall Label. Competing in a strong field, the designs were noted for their exceptional level of creativity and design acumen, reinforcing the role of visual storytelling in the wine industry.

Agriculture Teaching and Learning Coordinator Mr Craig Moore beamed, ‘We are incredibly proud of our students and their mentors for their dedication to this unique viticulture and winemaking program. These awards not only celebrate individual talents but also highlight the strength of our College’s wine and design curriculum, which is one of the few programs of its kind nationwide.’

These awards come just days ahead of Faith’s next vintage launch of Mengler View Wines. Wines are available for order through the College website, with proceeds supporting the program.