David Littleproud (Maranoa, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to congratulation two of Maranoa's fantastic winemakers from the Granite Belt region for their achievements in the 2017 Queensland Wine Awards held last month. Firstly, congratulations to David and Shirley Zanatta and their family for taking out the Samuel Bassett Award. This award recognises those in the industry who have made an outstanding contribution over time to advancing the wine industry. The Zanattas have been actively involved in promoting the wine industry for more than 40 years, including 34 years running the Old Caves Winery in Stanthorpe. In true family style, the Zanattas ran the family-owned small business with their sons, Anthony, Jeremy and Nathan.

Secondly, I'd like to congratulate Mike Hayes from Symphony Hill Wines in Ballandean on his stellar performance in taking out 28 of the 93 medals up for grabs and four trophies, including Queensland Winemaker of the Year. Mike is also one of four finalists to have been nominated to win the Australian Society of Viticulture and Enology Winemaker of the Year. He is the first Queenslander to be nominated and become a finalist in these awards. The winner will be announced in Adelaide on November 14. I wish Mike all the best for the awards and congratulate him on becoming a finalist.

Maranoa is home to arguably some of the greatest wine in the country. It's no surprise that countries from around the world have developed a taste for Maranoa's fine wines. I encourage every Australian to visit the great Granite Belt and South Burnett regions to sample our fantastic wines.