McLaren Vale Shines in 40 Under 40

South Australia’s McLaren Vale region proved to be a leading light at this year’s InDaily 40 Under 40 Awards, with three of the awarded 40 heading up businesses within the internationally renowned destination.

The 40 Under 40 Awards celebrate the impact South Australia’s finest young business people have on shaping the future of the state and business sectors. The program recognises not only the personal determination and commercial drive of these leaders but also the philanthropic pursuits that balance these individuals’ professional achievements. A staggering 630 people from across South Australia were nominated, with 230 submitting final applications for assessment by a panel of executives and business owners from various sectors including finance, creative and advertising, and venture capital.

“It was hard to narrow this year’s list to just 40, especially with so many South Australian entrepreneurs kicking goals with effective business pivots in 2020, but I am pleased to see that many of them will be even better in the coming years,” said member of the judging panel Jim Plouffe.

Representing McLaren Vale in the 40 Under 40 list includes Jennifer Lynch, General Manager of McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association, Bec Hardy, Co-Managing Director of Bec Hardy Wines, and George Georgiadis, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Never Never Distilling.

‘A rising tide lifts all boats’ is the driving principle behind Jennifer Lynch’s vision for developing a strong Australian wine industry. General Manager for McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association for the past 6 years, Jennifer says the region can only reach its full potential when all other Australian regional communities are prosperous and sustainable too. Strong advocacy, collaboration and cooperation saw Jennifer co-lead Sustainable Winegrowing Australia to become a national sustainability program for wine grape growers and wine producers.

Bec Hardy took the reins of her family’s 40-year-old wine brand Pertaringa in McLaren Vale in 2020. In doing so, she became the first woman in the famous Hardy family to both own her own vineyard and produce her own wine.

“I’m so thrilled to be recognised by this renowned program. 40 under 40 is such a special initiative that goes way beyond receiving a gong, and provides really meaningful connections and support to help South Australian business people thrive and continue to grow and advocate for this great State,” Bec Hardy said. “Winning in 2021 after such a demanding year is even more rewarding, and is testament not just to my hard graft, but the whole Bec Hardy Wines team.”

George Georgiadis is Co-founder and Managing Director of Never Never Distilling. George has been instrumental in taking the brand from a small operation of 16 square metres to a multi-million dollar distillery and tasting room housed within the Chalk Hill Wines collective in just three years. Under the guidance and direction of George, the brand has taken out a slew of awards, including the Champion Australian Distiller in 2020. George has also committed to shaping South Australia’s burgeoning spirits industry as founding president of the South Australian Spirit Producers Association. In addition to being named in the 40 under 40 list, George was also awarded the Creative Thinker Award, presented by KWP.

“It’s a real pleasure to be recognised with a group of such legends from the diverse SA business world” said George. “The Creative Thinker prize is a fantastic reflection of the work of the entire Never Never Distilling Co. team. We're particularly pleased to share in these awards with fellow McLaren Vale finalists Jennifer Lynch and Bec Hardy Wines. As if we needed even more reason to feel lucky and proud to be a part of the wonderful McLaren Vale community!”

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