The word ‘legend’ gets bandied around plenty in the world of wine, but when lightning strikes twice in the space of a week, chances are it’s being drawn to a true legend.
That’s precisely what’s happened to CellarHand founder and co-owner Patrick Walsh, who earlier this week was crowned Drinks Producer Legend by Melbourne Food & Wine Festival.
That came hot on the heels of the Champagne Louis Roederer Top 100 Sommeliers 2026, where Patrick was honoured with the 2026 Legend Award.
Patrick said he found the back-to-back recognition “hugely rewarding in a fulfilment kind of way”.
“The most special thing is the notion that other people have found joy, as well as career encouragement and advancement, in what we set out to do,” he said after the MF&W Legend Hall of Fame ceremony, which pays tribute to the leaders, groundbreakers and visionaries of Victoria’s food, drink and hospitality industry.
“The feeling of having been able to help people, of having them come along for the journey and end up somewhere interesting with it, is awesome.”
Patrick, who stepped back from day-to-day duties at CellarHand in late 2025, remains an integral part of the business alongside his wife, fellow co-founder and owner Gin Walsh.
Following his formal retirement, and again with these awards, Patrick has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of messages crediting him with his role in educating and spurring on others across the drinks industry.
“You can be as cynical as you like about social media, but I spent the whole day afterwards responding to people—customers, colleagues, friends, people you didn’t even know were paying attention—and it’s just incredible.”
The Sommelier Edit, which runs the Top 100 Sommeliers awards, described Patrick as “a pioneering Australian sommelier, wine importer and educator whose influence on the Australian wine landscape spans more than three decades”.
“A former president of the Australian Sommeliers Association and founder of CellarHand, Walsh has played a pivotal role in shaping Australia’s appreciation of fine wine, introducing generations of hospitality professionals and consumers to many of the world’s greatest producers,” the judges said.
“Through his commitment to wine education, mentorship and excellence, he has helped build a lasting legacy within the Australian wine community.”
The CellarHand team is delighted to share this news and to join the celebration of a man whose wisdom, experience and love of the game continues to drive and inspire us.
We will continue to serve our customers with the same integrity and care that this legend embodies!
