Nuriootpa High School’s Nurihannam Wines is celebrating a historic win at the 2026 Barossa Wine Show, with its 2025 Barossa Grenache Shiraz Mataro (GSM) awarded the trophy for Best Grenache, Shiraz & Mourvèdre Dominant Blend, scoring an impressive 96 points in a competitive class of almost 50 wines, including eight gold medal winners.

The achievement marks the first red wine trophy for the school’s wine program. Comprising of 45% Grenache, 33% Shiraz and 22% Mataro, it is also the school’s first attempt at producing a GSM.

“For a student-made wine to win a trophy at the Barossa Wine Show is huge,” said Mr David Bowley, long-serving agriculture teacher and Nurihannam Wines mentor.

The wine, created primarily by Year 10 Vines and Wines students, with contributions from Year 11 and 12 students, used grapes generously donated by local growers David Materne and Adrian Hoffmann.

From crushing and pressing to cleaning and analysis, the students were involved throughout the winemaking process. Year 11 student Riley V, who helped make the wine, said he is “over the moon” with the result.

Previous Nuriootpa High School agriculture teacher and Wine Manager, Ms Milly Hoffmann, who is now senior leader of agriculture, science and sustainability at Oakbank School, also played an integral role in initiating the production of the award-winning wine.

Current Nurihannam Wine Manager, Ms Kate Ruchs, reflected that the achievement would not be possible without the long-standing support of the Barossa wine community, particularly growers who donate fruit and industry professionals who provide technical expertise.

The accolade reflects the tireless commitment of the staff, students and community partners in continuing to grow the wine education program at Nuriootpa High School.

Image: Mr Josh Bottral, Mr David Bowley, grape grower Mr Byron Hoffmann, student Riley V, grape grower Mr David Materne, Ms Kate Ruchs and Mr Peter Burgermiester. Image courtesy of The Leader.