Pam Dunsford grew up in an era where young women did not hold winemaking positions. Having studied a degree in bio-
Royal Adelaide Wine Show
Wayville, South Australia
Photo: John Krüger
chemistry and horticulture from the University of Adelaide, it was during this time she became interested in wine. In 1972, Pam became the first female to be accepted to Roseworthy College to study Oenolgy.
Pam Dunsford is not unaccustomed to breaking the mould throughout her 40 year winemaking career. Not only was she the first female to be accepted into Roseworthy, she was the first women to occupy an important winemaking position in a large company, the first female winemaker to become a wine-show judge, the first women to be employed by Krug, among the first women wine educators and winemaking consultants in Australia and today, became the first women Legend of the Vine in South Australia, presented at the 2019 Wine Communicators of Australian (WCA) Royal Adelaide Wine Show Lunch.
Dunsford received this honor in recognition of her outstanding contribution and service to the Australian and South Australian wine industry.
With over 40+ years as a winemaker, Dunsford is well known for paving the way for many women winemakers in Australia and for her guts and determination. It’s that courage of her convictions to do what she believes in – not just what is popular – that has defined her career.
Pam is the sixth person to achieve legend status in South Australia and she joins his fellow wine colleagues and professionals Tony Love (2018), Brian Walsh (2017), d’Arry Osbourne (2016), Bill Hardy (2015) and Patrick Iiland (2014).