Past Programs
Lifestyle and Leisure - 2008
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Len Evans
31/01/2008
Len Evans has been called the godfather of the Australian Wine Industry. In his role as wine writer, judge, maker and promoter he had a big influence over Australia's drinking habits.
He escaped his English public school childhood by becoming a forestry worker and pro-golfer in New Zealand and a dingo fencer and television comedy writer in Australia, before he managed international hotels in Sydney. Here he had to deal with the huge egos of visiting American stars like Eartha Kitt and Sammy Davis Jr. Supervising the cellar at the Chevron Hotel also gave him his lifelong interest in wine.
As a wine promoter he organised wine-tastings throughout suburban Australia in the early 60s, as well as writing his 'Cellarmaster' column in The Bulletin for many years. His efforts contributed hugely to Australians' shift from drinking almost exclusively beer, in the 50s, to their current embracing of wine at the table. He was also involved in promoting Australian wine overseas and saw the attitude of UK winewriters change from one of condescension towards our product to one of praise.
He ran Rothbury Estate in the Hunter Valley for almost 30 years until it was lost in a hostile share bid, and later the smaller Tower Estate. Len Evans died in 2006.
