The Hunter Valley wine community took a short break from the busy 2010 grape harvest this week, and came together to pay tribute to one of the icons of the Australian wine industry. Karl Stockhausen celebrated his 80th birthday, and a private cocktail party for industry colleagues and friends was held at Briar Ridge Vineyard to honour this milestone, and the contribution that he has made to the wine industry.
A German born, post-war immigrant, Karl Stockhausen has played several roles in some of the country’s leading wine companies, and has notched up well over 50 vintages in different wine regions across the country. He is responsible for making some of Australia’s greatest and most sought after wines, most notably, the 1965 Lindeman’s Bin 3110 Hunter River Burgundy, which recently sold at auction for $1,700 a bottle.
Working alongside Briar Ridge winemaker, Mark Woods, Karl still plays an active role at the winery, and oversees the production of his Signature range of wines, specialising in Hunter Valley Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz. As well as chairing tasting panels, show judging, and rating wines for leading Australian wine companies and suppliers, many industry personnel still look to Karl for his opinion and guidance which only comes from a lifetime working in wine. In 2007, Karl’s industry contribution was also recognised by becoming one of the six inaugural recipients of the Hunter Valley Wine Industry’s Legends awards.
Celebrating this achievement, Briar Ridge Vineyard owner, Dr. John Davis, paid tribute to Karl, and acknowledged the contribution he has made not only to the success of Briar Ridge over the years, but also to the Hunter Valley region and the industry in general. “Karl not only has made a significant impact from a winemakers perspective, but he has, over the years, earned the respect and become a great ambassador for our industry. He is a true gentleman, and many of our new generation winemakers should stereotype Karl’s philosophies to help foster the future of the wine industry”.
Humbled by the attendance of so many industry colleagues and friends paying tribute at the celebrations held at Briar Ridge, Karl spoke of the enormous changes he has seen over his working life in the wine industry. “I’m so happy to see many old friends here tonight whom I have worked and socialised with over the years. I’m still working and having fun, and I hope that I can keep doing this for many years to come ! ”, said Karl.
With the ever increasing tough times that the wine industry is currently experiencing, Karl remained positive about the image and future of Australian wine, and hopes to continue his involvement in the industry that he has helped shape over the last 50 years.