Len Evans AO OBE (1930-2006), wine expert, writer and company chairman, pioneered wine columns in Australia with his 'Cellar Master' column in the Bulletin (1962-1988). Evans arrived in Australia from England in 1955 and wrote for the Mavis Bramston Show before becoming a manager at the Chevron Hilton. He appeared frequently on television and radio and became widely known as a wit, bon vivant and reviewer. When Rothbury Wines was founded in 1969 he became its chairman, remaining so for 27 years, during which time the company expanded worldwide. Also in 1969, he became chairman of Len Evans Holdings. The first encyclopedic guide to Australian wine was his Australian Winebuyer's Guide (1973); his Complete Book of Australian Wine (1976) went through five revised editions. Evans had judged all major Australian wine shows by 1982 and had a high reputation internationally as a judge and speaker. He was also a leading charity fundraiser. His awards and accolades, both Australian and international, were multitudinous.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2003
© Jon Lewis
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