Archive 2006
Austria’s Bacchus Prize 2006 to Arne Ronold MW
(AWMB/November 2006) - Since 1971, the Austrian Wine Growers Association has been awarding the Bacchus Prize to people who have performed outstanding services to Austrian wine. This year, the Bacchus Prize 2006 was awarded to Arne Ronold MW at a ceremony held on November 6th at the OldUniversity of Graz in Austria. Also given the prize was Franz Fischler, the former EU Commissioner for Agriculture. Following a long-practiced custom, the prize winners bestowed a name on a young wine prior to its official St. Martin’s Day blessing.
Recipients of the Bacchus Prize 2006
Arne Ronold MW - a Norwegian who loves Austrian wine
For the first time, a Norwegian has been honoured with the Bacchus Prize. Arne Ronold MW was presented with the award by Michael Thurner, the managing director of the Austrian Wine Marketing Board, and the president of the Austrian Viniculture Association, Josef Pleil. The laudatory speech for the prize recipient was also conducted by Michael Thurner.
Before the Norwegian journalist Arne Ronold MW dedicated himself fully to his hobby - wine - he worked on theoretical physics, especially nuclear physics and mathematical flow models. Today, as Scandinavia’s first Master of Wine, Mr. Ronold writes passionately for the magazine Vinforum, which he founded together with Ola Dybvik in 1986. Mr. Ronold introduced Austrian wine to Norwegians, and helped many Austrian winemakers on the path to success in Norway. In Michael Thurner’s tribute, Mr. Ronold’s love for Schilcher, a speciality from the Austrian wine region of Styria (Steiermark), was given special mention.
Dr. Franz Fischler – With agricultural roots
Dr. Franz Fischler, born in Absam, in Austria’s Tyrol, played an important role in the Austrian wine economy through his function as EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development. Even after completing his studies at the University for Soil Culture in Vienna, he became highly involved – first in the Austrian Ministry of Agriculture, and then as Austria’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry - in the national and international development of Austria’s wine growing sector. The laudatory speech for Dr. Fischler was held by Josef Pleil, president of the Austrian Viniculture Association.
Photos of the event are available at:
www.weinausoesterreich.at/aktuell/info_weintaufe.html
Press information /16 November 2006
AWMB/Susanne Staggl
Tel: +43 1 503 92 67
Fax: +43 1 503 92 68
info@winesfromaustria.com
