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 became a writer 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 witty bon vivant and frank and fearless reviewer. When Rothbury Wines was founded in 1969 Evans became its chairman, remaining at the helm until 1996, during which time the company expanded phenomenally and established a worldwide reputation. Also in 1969, he became chairman of Len Evans Holdings, and the following year added Evans Family Wines to his stable. The first encyclopedic guide to Australian wine was his first book, 'The Australian Winebuyer's Guide', published in 1973. His 'Complete book of Australian Wine' appeared three years later; in 1990 it was republished in its 5th revised edition. The genial Evans is a leading charity fundraiser, with the event that became known as the AAP Len Evans Financial Markets Day raising $10 million in 14 years for the St Vincent's Hospital Leukemia Unit and other causes. He had judged all major Australian wine shows by 1982 and earned a high reputation internationally as a judge and speaker on wine.
