The Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show (AAVWS) is thrilled to announce Steve Leszczynski as the recipient of the 2024 AAVWS Fellowship, proudly sponsored by Longview Vineyard. As the owner and editor of QwineReviews.com, Steve has been a prominent voice in the wine industry, publishing over 7,000 wine reviews since 2009, with a significant focus on alternative varieties.

Steve’s passion for wine is evident in his extensive work, including the release of his self-published book, Grenache – Barossa Grown in 2021, and his dedication to reviewing over 700 wines annually in recent years. His expertise extends beyond the written word, having served as an MC at various prestigious wine events, including hosting 730 guests in the VIP tent at the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup Day. Additionally, Steve has hosted numerous wine dinners and was a regular wine commentator on Brisbane’s 4BC radio during the Drive Time slot.

In 2024, Steve will be expanding his judging credentials as an Associate Judge at both the Orange Wine Show and the Australian Small Winemakers Show. His interest in alternative varieties is fuelled by the evolving challenges that producers and growers face, including climate change, soil diversity, and altitude variations, all of which impact vineyard performance.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have been selected for the AAVWS Fellowship in 2024,” said Steve Leszczynski. “The landscape for alternate varieties has changed immeasurably over the last decade as wineries shift to develop wines that work better with the climate, access to water, plus a raft of other challenges. The AAVWS is an excellent platform to celebrate the diversity of these wines, shine a spotlight on what should be hitting the consumer’s glass, and show that embracing different is a good thing.”

Based in Brisbane, Steve has a deep connection to Queensland’s Granite Belt, a region renowned for its diverse range of alternative varieties. His curiosity about these varieties, from their flavour profiles and drought tolerance to their adaptability across different Australian regions, drives his continuous exploration and contribution to the wine industry. In 2023, Steve demonstrated his commitment to innovation by securing cuttings from the Macedon Ranges for a Granite Belt producer, introducing a new variety to the region.

As part of his AAVWS Fellowship, Steve plans to share his experiences through his extensive social media presence and his website, QwineReviews.com. He will publish a detailed report on his experiences, which will be featured on his website and in Salt Magazine, where he is the wine writer. The magazine, with a print run of over 30,000 copies, is widely distributed across the Sunshine Coast and has a strong online presence. Steve also intends to discuss his AAVWS experience on The Wine Show, a popular Melbourne-based radio show that airs every Sunday and is accessible through various podcast channels.

During his stay in Mildura, Steve will be hosted by Mildura.com and Discover Mildura, who will showcase everything the region has to offer—from its rich cultural heritage to its vibrant local food and wine scene. This will provide Steve with a comprehensive experience of the region, further enriching his insights and contributions to the AAVWS Fellowship.

The AAVWS is proud to support Steve Leszczynski in his continued journey, with the generous sponsorship of Longview Vineyard, and looks forward to the insights and contributions he will bring to the world of alternative wine varieties.

According to Show Manager, Helen Healy, over that time “The AAVWS Fellowship initiative was introduced in 2014 I and over the past decade has attracted exceptional recipients, such as Adam Walls, Katie Spain and Cassandra Charlick who have gone on to carve out high profile careers whilst remaining dedicated ambassadors for the Show and Mildura.”