Congratulations to the Chapel Hill winemaking team, Michael Fragos & Bryn Richards, were today crowned the 2010 Bushing Kings - a prestigious honour bestowed on the winemakers of the best wine at the McLaren Vale wine show on Friday 29th October 2010.

Michael Fragos is the Winemaker behind the 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 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. It is only the second time in the almost 40 year history of the famous annual award that it has been won three times by the same winemaker - this time for the iconic 2008 Chapel Hill Vicar Shiraz. Previously he has won in 1997 and 1999.

"While I am deeply honoured and humbled by being crowned the 2010 Bushing King for a third time, no wine is solely the result of any one individual's effort."

"This distinctive wine is no exception. It is a wonderful blend of many contributions - from the vineyard to the winery, and a great reflection of the McLaren Vale region." - Michael Fragos.