The cellar door serving Italian-style varieties at Pizzini Wines is the best in the country, according to the Australian Tourism Awards.
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The King Valley business won the wineries, distilleries and breweries category in front of a crowd of 900 in Melbourne on Friday.
Natalie Pizzini said the family was shocked, but proud to receive the award, which has been displayed at the cellar door.
The winery won the state award in November, putting it up against big names from areas like the Barossa Valley.
The award was judged on the experience of the cellar door, not just the quality of the wines.
“We all obviously provide beautiful visual experiences,” Ms Pizzini said.
She said she believed being in the King Valley, known as the home of unique Italian-style wines, was a point of difference with the judges.
The Pizzini and Dal Zotto families attracted wide attention during 2015 when they featured in an episode of Masterchef.
“To be recognised nationally by our industry is just the most amazing feeling,” Ms Pizzini said.
“It's a bit of validation in that we’ve been trying to tell that story of Italian wine.”
She said the award meant a lot to the cellar door staff, as well as Alfred and Katrina Pizzini, who accepted the award in Melbourne with a heartfelt speech.
For them, it was recognition of 20 years of hard work.
“There wasn't a dry eye in the house,” Ms Pizzini said.
Tourism North East executive officer Amber Gardner said the award added to the high country region’s claim as a high-quality food and wine destination.
“When one of our tourism businesses achieves accolades like this it reflects well on the whole region,” she said.
“We salute the Pizzini family and their dedicated staff and thank them for all they do in ensuring visitors to our region go home with great stories to tell about their time here.”