Peter Barry receives legendary status at Clare Valley’s Hall of Fame

Jim Barry Wines is excited to announce that Peter Barry has been inducted as a legend into the 2024 Clare Valley Wine Hall of Fame.Peter received this accolade last Friday at theClare Valley WineHall of Fame Gala and Awards Presentation, which was attendedby his industry peers and other distinguished guests.

Held once a decade, the Clare Valley Wine Hall of Fame recognises exceptional achievement and innovation in viticulture, winemaking, brand marketing, as well as regional ambassadors. The Legends inducted are those who have influenced and contributed to the development and success of the Clare Valley wine industry over the course of their working life.

Peter was recognised for hisoutstanding contributions to the Clare Valley over forty years and his unwavering pursuit of growth and success for both the region and Jim Barry Wines. Peter has devoted his working life to the Clare Valley, being involved in all facets of the industry, from growing grapes, producing wine and marketing Jim Barry Wines around the world- making it the internationally recognised brand that it is today. He has spent hundreds of hours on committees for the Clare Valley wine, tourism and regional boards, and served as Chair of the Clare Valley Winemakers Inc. for four, two-year terms.

He was recognised for his involvement in key regional projects, such as the Gourmet Weekend, the initiation of the screwcap in Australia and the removal of the term Riesling from non-Riesling wines, thus elevating the status of the variety around Australia.

Throughout his 40 years at Jim Barry Wines, Peter has had many significant achievements, including the establishment of the Greek variety, Assyrtiko in Australia, and the development of ‘The Armagh’ Shiraz, considered to be one of Australia’s most significant red wines. He conceived the idea for a super-premium wine whilst visiting France early in his career, so it is fitting that The Armagh was one of the first wines to be sold on La Place de Bordeaux, the world’s oldest distribution network.

Innovation and exploration have been at the heart of Peter’s career, and he was one of the first Australian winemakers to work in China in 1983, assisting with the establishment of a winery in Tsingtao. He has since travelled extensively promoting Jim Barry Wines and the Clare Valley. ‘I did my first export trip in 1983 to the UK. Before we could even show the wines, we had to educate people of where the Clare Valley was, in relation to Sydney and the Barossa. We put Clare on the world wine map and seeing where we are today fills me with pride.’

Peter says it is a great honour to be recognised and expressed his gratitude on being inducted into the Clare Valley Hall of Fame honour roll.

“I feel deeply privileged to receive this recognition by the Clare Valley wine industry,” he said. “I consider myself very fortunate to dedicate my life’s work to this wonderful place we call home, the Clare Valley.

“The Clare Valley Wine Industry is the only organisation I have been part of for my entire working life. I was 24 when I was first nominated as the chair, and I enjoyed working with like-minded people to help promote Clare to an international audience.

“I wish to congratulate all the award recipients, past legends and those legends who were inducted on Friday night,” he said.

“The award has given me the opportunity to reflect and although I am proud of my achievements, my greatest joy is seeing my own children, Tom, Sam and Olivia, the third generation, take the reins. They have developed, grown and improved the business in terms of style, quality and distribution. As a father, you can only hope that your children will follow in your footsteps, and I am blessed to have such a hardworking, dedicated family.