The Wine Man becomes the NSW Legend of the Vine for 2026

On Friday 21 August, Wine Communicators of Australia (WCA) announced Peter Bourne as the 2026 NSW ‘Legend of the Vine’ at the 2026 Sydney Royal Wine Awards Lunch. Known as ‘The Wine Man’, Bourne was described as “an outstanding new addition to the Legend of the Vine, having spent five decades shaping how Australians understand, enjoy and talk about wine”. He has educated thousands through tastings, masterclasses, corporate sessions and public events with “tremendous care and passion”. “This honour recognises someone of exceptional character; someone held in deep regard by their peers; and someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the Australian wine industry. And, because this award is created by us — Wine Communicators of Australia — the recipient must also embody excellence in how they write, speak, and share the stories of wine,” explained Brian Chase Olson, chair of the WCA NSW chapter committee. When accepting the award from Chase Olson, Bourne said he was “chuffed and humbled in equal measure”.