16/02/2026
Congratulations to our Winemaker of the Year Belinda van Eyssen and Viticulturist of the Year Nigel van der Zande.
Belinda makes wine for the small family vineyard The Cutting, which was founded in 2018 by Belinda and her partner Daniel McDonald. She produces distinctive award-winning wines from varieties including Shiraz, Grenache, Cinsault and Chenin Blanc, with a focus on freshness and vibrancy that showcase the diversity of the Barossa. Belinda is an active member of the wine community, generously sharing her time and knowledge.
Nigel has been working for Kaesler Wines in the Barossa for 25 years. His focus has been to use regenerative farming practices to rebuild and restore the natural biodiversity while enhancing the quality of the fruit being produced. He has now taken this one step further with the introduction of rewilding techniques to return missing fauna links, combining his two passions for farming and the natural world.
Glory to Barossa!
Photo credit: Pete Thornton
