The honour was bestowed upon the fourth generation Campbell winemaker at a special awards presentation held in Adelaide recently where the outstanding achievements of three icons of the Australian wine industry were recognized.

Glasses were raised high to congratulate Colin as well as John Angove and Wolf Blass. They join a list of distinguished patrons who continue to provide their accumulated experience and counsel to the industry.

Each of these icons of wine is a household name and their efforts in the nation’s vineyards, wineries and boardrooms have helped create a vibrant modern industry and brought Australian wines to the attention of consumers around the world.

In presenting these awards, the president of the Winemakers Federation of Australia, Tony D’Aloisio said “This coveted Life Member Award recognises outstanding leadership and contribution to the nation’s wine industry over and above an individual’s career achievements,” he said.

“In the case of John, Colin and Wolf – they have given in spades!”

One of Colin’s many causes has been to see Rutherglen Muscat recognised worldwide as a unique wine of Australia. He continues to chair the Muscat of Rutherglen Network which he formed, and is proud to say that its classification system is now used Australia wide.

According to Colin “My life in the wine industry has been typically full of challenges, however we are fortunate in Australia as the wine industry here is not constrained by boundaries or climate and we are assisted by the Aussie spirit of innovation”. To the next generation he said “ Never stop asking questions. Wine and life are a wonderful combination of the wisdom of age and the exuberance of youth.”