The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) announced this week that Matt Godfrey, winemaker at Devil’s Lair in Margaret River, WA, was the dux of the 40^th Advanced Wine Assessment Course.

As dux, Matt has accepted a place as an associate judge at the 2019 Royal Adelaide Wine Show, where judging is currently in progress.

After the dux announcement, Matt commented: "Participating in AWAC was a great opportunity to meet some fantastic people from many realms of the wine industry. Assessing and discussing wines alongside such a talented and diverse group was a great way to calibrate my skills and further my knowledge of wine.

"The high diversity of wines judged throughout AWAC is unique and a great challenge for anyone who gets the opportunity to participate. The AWAC gave me confidence in my consistency of wine assessment and the opportunity to learn from the panels of industry leaders."

The selection of the dux of each course is based on statistical scores, verbal skills and group interaction.

We are pleased to announce that to celebrate the start of the Spring season, one of WA’s most established food and wine business’s, Lamonts Smith’s Beach Restaurant and Wine, is collaborating with iconic Margaret River winery, Devil’s Lair, to host a pop up cellar door.

Located within Smiths Beach Resort along WA's beautiful Yallingup coastline, this innovative partnership is a first for these two highly regarded local brands who are passionate about creating a local food and wine destination which expresses the very best of the region.

The combination of fine wine, premium produce and close proximity to the beach will ensure an unforgettable experience. Open daily from 7.30am, food and wine will be available all day and night with wine tastings starting from 11am.