Our People
6 September, 2026
Summerfield Winery wins big
FAMILY owned Summerfield Winery is celebrating after taking home the 2026 Federation University Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence - Regional Development Australia Grampians Growers and Producers People’s Choice Award at the awards ceremony in Ballarat.
The Moonambel-based winery was one of three finalists in the category, alongside Green Eggs and Brooklands Free Range Farms, before being announced as the winner at the gala awards ceremony at the Mercure Ballarat Hotel.
For Summerfield owner and winemaker Mark Summerfield, the award carries particular significance because it was decided by the public.
“It’s a pretty special feeling,” he said.
“There are plenty of awards where you’re judged on what you produce, but a People’s Choice Award is different. It comes from the people who actually visit us, dine with us, stay with us, drink our wine and support what we’re doing.”
“To have our customers and supporters get behind us like this is incredibly humbling. We’re genuinely grateful to every person who took the time to vote.”
Summerfield Winery has grown from its roots as a multi-generational family vineyard and winery into a broader destination combining estate-grown wines, a wood-fired pizza restaurant, cellar door and accommodation.
The business remains strongly family focused, with generations of the Summerfield family involved across the operation.
The award comes at a time when Summerfield continues to grow, welcoming visitors from across the region and beyond, with its restaurant, cellar door and accommodation forming an important part of the winery experience.
“We’re proud of the wine we make, but Summerfield has always been about much more than what’s in the bottle,” Mark said.
“It’s about bringing people together, sharing good food and wine, giving them a great experience and hopefully making them want to come back to the region and bring their friends.”
The win caps off an exciting period for the business, which has continued to develop its wine, food, tourism and accommodation offering while maintaining its focus on the Pyrenees Region.
For the Summerfield family, however, the award is ultimately about the people who helped make it possible.
“We can’t thank everyone who voted for us enough,” said Mark.
“Every vote, every visit, every bottle bought and every recommendation to a friend has helped us get to where we are.”
“This one really belongs to the people who support us. We won this one together.”
Read More: Moonambel