Colin Campbell OAM (Photo: Campbells of Rutherglen)

Two wine industry veterans, Steve Maglieri and Colin Campbell, have won gongs in the Australia Day Honours.

Maglieri has a long history in McLaren Vale, where he first established Maglieri Wines, which was sold to one of the big companies and is now a brand owned by Treasury Wine Estates. He then established Serafino, also in McLaren Vale. Serafino is his Italian first-name. His story began in 1964 when he migrated from Italy as a teenager. Just two years later he planted his first vines in the Vale with his father Giovanni. Today his daughter Maria oversees the business. At Serafino, the Maglieris have built up a portfolio of Italian varietals, produced by longstanding chief winemaker Charles Whish. Serafino also has a restaurant, conference and function centre, and four-star accommodation.

Maglieri was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). His citation said:

“For significant service to the Italian community of South Australia, to a range of charitable and tourism activities, and as a winemaker.”

Colin Campbell was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM), for his contribution to the wine industry. The company calls Colin the ‘monarch’ of Campbells Wines.

The Campbells website says:

“His contribution includes his work with the Winemakers Federation of Australia, Australia’s First Families of Wine, the Muscat of Rutherglen network, the Durif of Rutherglen Group and so much more within the industry and community.”

Colin studied at Roseworthy Agricultural College, returning to the family business in the 1960s. His great passion has been Rutherglen muscat, which he’s worked tirelessly to promote.

Peter Howard, formerly of Sydney and now living in Queensland, received an AM for significant service to the food and wine tourism sectors as a commentator, television presenter and author, and to culinary foundations.