Mid-September, London’s Savoy Hotel hosted the World’s Best Wine Lists Awards 2025, where the global hospitality world gathered to celebrate the finest wine programs.

Among the winners was South Australia’s own Doug Govan of the Victory Hotel, who was honoured with the Guiding Spirit Award for Wine in Hospitality, an accolade recognising “the outstanding achievements and influence of prominent individuals from the world of wine hospitality.”

For those who know South Australia’s wine scene, Doug’s name is mentioned with reverence. But for those unfamiliar with the man who claimed top honours, here’s the scoop.

Doug’s story in wine began at just 20, working under Derik Jolly – one of the last of the Penfolds family – where he ran a bar and nightclub and, as he puts it, learnt “a lot about

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