2010 Winegrapes Australia McLaren Vale Wine Show - Bushing King
2010 Bushing King Winner
Michael Fragos is the Winemaker behind the 2010 Trophy winning Chapel Hill 'The Vicar 2008' which won the Best Shiraz over $50. A tradition that has been carried out in the region since the 1970's, the Bushing King or Queen is selected from winemakers receiving trophies in the McLaren Vale Wine Show. The Bushing King or Queen award goes to the best wine of the show.
Michael Fragos was officially crowned the 2010 Bushing King by event sponsor Dave Wright, Chairman of Winegrapes Australia. Michael made a passionate acceptance speech in front of the 500 strong crowd, thanking the Chapel Hill team with special mention of the history of the brand which is based in McLaren Vale.
The Bushing King/Queen tradition was taken from medieval times when Tavern owners would place ivy bushes above their tavern doors to celebrate the arrival of the new vintage wine, or fresh mead.
In the early 1970's, McLaren Vale's winemakers incorporated this symbol to 'ring in' the new vintage by hanging olive branches over their cellar doors. This is the third occasion Michael has been crowned McLaren Vale Bushing King. Previously he has won in 1997 and 1999 while at Tatachilla Winery.
