A new chapter for Paul White

This year's Awards Dinner also marked a significant moment for Paul White, who has retired from his role as Chairman of the International Cool Climate Wine Show.

Paul has been an important part of the ICCWS journey, contributing his leadership, passion and commitment to the show and the wider cool climate wine community over many years. We thank Paul for his enormous contribution.

Paul White, presenting his farewell speech at the ICCWS Awards Night 2026

Ladies and gentlemen, colleagues, friends and family,

As I step down from my role as Chairman of the International Cool Climate Wine Show, I’ve been reflecting on what this show has meant to me, and what it continues to mean to our industry.

It has been an honour to serve an event that celebrates not only excellence in wine, but the passion, resilience and creativity of cool-climate producers across Australia and beyond.

Since 2012, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing this show from every angle, as a sponsor, a steward, a judge and, since 2017, as Chairman.

I still remember my first year as a judge, standing in that room, surrounded by wines that told the story of their regions, their seasons and the people behind them.

Along the way, I’ve worked with extraordinary people: Liz Dart, Kevin Wyatt, our Head Judges and the judging panels who bring skill, integrity and genuine enthusiasm to every glass they assess.

To our dedicated stewards and generous sponsors, many of whom are here tonight, thank you.

A special thank you to:

• AGL Brendan Weinert, Wei Sue and Peter Bennett.

• SW Accountants & Advisors Steven Edmonds, Brendt Henricus, Tom Malarky and our wonderful MC, Amanda Lee.

• Guala Closures Paul Gunawan

• 3MP Grant Johnstone

• Bendigo Bank who unfortunately couldn’t be with us tonight

• Kubota Mornington Brad and Jackson Fisher

  
  

Your support has helped strengthen the show’s reputation, expand its reach and ensure it remains a trusted benchmark for quality.

There are many achievements I’m proud of. We’ve grown from a local show to a national one, and now to an international event. The increased profile of the ICCWS nationally and globally is reflected in the diversity and calibre of our entrants.

We’ve also supported wineries following the bushfires, an initiative led by Nigel Street from our Committee of Management.

And we introduced initiatives that reflect our values, including the Excellence in Environmental Sustainability Award, which celebrates producers leading the way in responsible viticulture. It has been inspiring to see sustainability become so deeply woven into the fabric of our industry, and I believe it will only continue to grow.

To our exhibitors: thank you for your trust. Every bottle you enter represents months, sometimes years, of work. Your commitment to excellence is what gives this show its meaning.

Paul White, Tristan McLean, Amanda Lee

To my colleagues and volunteers: thank you for your support, your professionalism and your friendship. A wine show is a complex machine, from receiving and classing the wines to stewarding and jujudging, and it only runs smoothly because of the people behind it.

As I step down from the ICCWS, I do so with enormous pride in what we’ve achieved together. I’m confident the show will continue to evolve, innovate and champion the very best of cool-climate winemaking.

Thank you for the privilege of serving as your Chair. It has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my professional life.

Paul white & his children, Jacinta, Katrina & Brennan

Finally, I could not have achieved this without the support of my wife, Jennifer, who has been on this tremendous journey with me. And to my children, Jacinta, Katrina and Brennan, thank you for coming along to this event and joining me as I say goodbye.

Thank you,

Paul White

Chairman, International Cool Climate Wine Show, 2017-2026