BROKE Fordwich winemaker Andrew Margan has been acknowledged for his outstanding contribution to Hunter tourism, winning the top award at the Hunter and Central Coast Awards for Excellence in Tourism.

Minister for the Hunter, Jodi McKay presented Mr Margan with his award for “Outstanding Contribution by an Individual” in a reception at Newcastle City Hall on Thursday night.

Mr Margan sees his award as a pat on the back and a message of thanks from Hunter Tourism for successfully bringing visitors to the Hunter region.

“The award is recognition from Hunter Tourism that the wine industry is relevant,” he said.

“It’s an appreciation for the contribution we are making to tourism locally.”

Mr Margan and his wife Lisa launched Margan Family Winegrowers in the Broke Fordwich area in 1997 and now sell 35,000 cases in Australia annually. The Margans also provide wines for 16 nations abroad.

Mr Margan believes the award will be favourable recognition for all local vineyards.

“Recognition is the main prize. It’s part of my long-term crusade to have the wine industry recognised in the Hunter Valley,” he said.

“The wine industry has an ongoing problem of self-promotion so it is important to have regional marketing to show people that Hunter Valley wines are both relevant and quality,” he added.

On top of Mr Margan’s personal prize, the winery was also a winner at the Excellence in Tourism Awards. Margan Family Winegrowers were successful in taking out the category of Excellence in Tourism Restaurant and Catering Services.

Mr Margan says the restaurant’s award is recognition for the hard work that has been put into it since it was open in conjunction with the winery’s cellar door in 2007.

“We’re at the stage where we are very happy with the restaurant,” he said.

“We grow our own fruit and vegetables and use our own grapes for wine, so we’re providing a real dining experience.”

The success of Mr Margan and Margan Family Winegrowers comes less than a week after the winery was adjudged Singleton’s most outstanding business at the Singleton Outstanding Business Awards.