National Wine Centre honours Hickinbothams

Wednesday, 7 March 2007

The National Wine Centre tonight will relaunch its spectacular main function venue as Hickinbotham Hall in recognition of the impact made by South Australia's Hickinbotham family on the national and state wine industries and wine-making education.

The University of Adelaide's Vice-Chancellor and President Professor James McWha will launch Hickinbotham Hall at a special celebration with the Hickinbotham family and invited guests tonight, Wednesday 7 March.

Professor McWha said: "The name Hickinbotham is probably best known in the state for its construction and development interests but over three generations the family has had a tremendous impact on the nation's wine industry, both in terms of research into wine-making and in the education of Australian wine-makers."

Alan Robb Hickinbotham, father of present Chairman of Hickinbotham Group Alan David Hickinbotham, is regarded as the father of Australian oenology (wine-making) education. In 1936 he developed Australia's first Diploma of Oenology at Roseworthy Agricultural College (now the University of Adelaide's Roseworthy Campus). This became the University's world-renowned Bachelor of Oenology degree, now run at the Waite Campus.

"Alan Robb Hickinbotham's research and writing on wine-making under Australian conditions laid the foundation for a technically advanced Australian wine industry," Professor McWha said.

Alan David Hickinbotham continued his father's passion for wine through the Hickinbotham Group with ongoing interests in viticulture and wine production. Hickinbotham Wines owns three vineyards in South Australia which produce internationally awarded premium wines.

The Hickinbotham Roseworthy Wine Science Laboratory was established at the University's Waite Campus in 1998 with the family's support.

"The Hickinbothams have provided generous support for the University of Adelaide over many years and we are very pleased to be able to recognise their contribution to the wine industry, the state and the University in this most appropriate venue," said Professor McWha.

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