VICTORY doesn’t taste much sweeter than a limited edition shiraz signed by driver Mark Winterbottom.
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The V8 Supercars legend tasted victory on Mount Panorama’s iconic circuit for the first time in 2013, and this newly released shiraz celebrates that win.
Trent Hemsworth from Mount Panorama Wines was looking to create a label for the 2013 vintage that would appeal to wine lovers and race fans alike.
The driver they had in mind was Mark “Frosty” Winterbottom, who crossed the line in a Ford FG Falcon with team-mate Steven Richards in a time of six hours, 11 minutes and 27 seconds.
It was a record for the Bathurst 1000.
With the driver in mind, Mr Hemsworth wrote to Mr Winterbottom’s manager, and wife, Renee Winterbottom to ask if the V8 legend would put his name to the wine.
Mr Winterbottom agreed to sign 1000 bottles, provided Mr Hemsworth did something for him: make a donation to his favourite charity, Eagles RAPS.
“It’s a place in Western Sydney that helps kids who have trouble with school or who have been bullied,” Mr Winterbottom said.
Mr Winterbottom, who was previously a Western Sydney local himself, has not forgotten his roots.
This is the first time he has ever had his name to a wine and he admitted he was impressed with the finished product.
“People buy hats and shirts, but a bottle of wine – it’s pretty unique,” he said.
The 1000 signed bottles mark the Bathurst 1000 race.
“It’s something that’s a little bit different for the wines of Bathurst,” Mr Hemsworth said.
“It’s something unique as well. There’s a million cars and hats to buy, but not wine.”
The bottle’s label also tells the story of the driver’s win in 2013 amid pictures from the podium.
“Mark Winterbottom not only won the biggest motor race in Australia, he did it after an intense duel with his arch-rival Jamie Whincup and it was the first win for the race team,” the label reads.
“Partnering Steven Richards, Winterbottom led home Whincup and [Paul] Dumbrell, leaving [Craig] Lowndes and [Warren] Luff to claim third.
“Winterbottom and Whincup were bumper-to-bumper for more than 60 laps, rarely separated by more than a second.”
To secure your own Mark Winterbottom signed shiraz, visit Mount Panorama Wines on Facebook or call 0477 298 678.