Dr Brian Croser AO
Recipient of Distinguished Alumni Award 2021
A trailblazer of modern Australian winemaking, Dr Brian Croser AO has played an integral role in evolving the nation鈥檚 small, fortified wine industry into the world鈥檚 fifth largest wine exporter.
In his early career, Brian was Chief Winemaker at Thomas Hardy & Sons before shifting his attention to education, establishing the Wine Science course at the Riverina College of Advanced Education (now Charles Sturt University).聽
Later, in pursuit of 鈥渢he coldest, wettest place in South Australia to grow Chardonnay鈥 Brian became the first winemaker to break ground in the Adelaide Hills鈥 Piccadilly Valley, where he continues to harvest grapes today.
He has also established a consultancy business, as well as two successful wine companies, Petaluma and Tapanappa Wines.聽
鈥淢y central goal has always been very simple, to make the best wine possible,鈥 said Brian
鈥淭o do that you have to grow the right varieties in the right place, after that it鈥檚 all fine-tuning.鈥
Brian has been recognised extensively for his significant contributions to wine, including being appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2000, awarded the prestigious Maurice O鈥橲hea Award in 1997 and named the 2004 Decanter Man of the Year. More recently, Wine Communicators of Australia awarded him the 2021 WCA South Australia Legend of the Vine.
Brian holds a Doctor of the University (honoris causa) from the 成人大片 in recognition of his contributions to both the wine industry and the University community. He has also been awarded a Doctor of Science (honoris causa) from Charles Sturt University.
Appointed to the 成人大片 Council in 1998, Brian served as Deputy Chancellor for eight years from 1999 until 2007.
鈥淭here are so many alumni who have gone through the University [of Adelaide], distinguished people, and to be selected from among that very successful cohort is a great honour.鈥
鈥淎nd because the University has been so close to my heart, it means even more.鈥