Founder of King Valley's Dal Zotto Wines, Otto Dal Zotto, has been named the 2025 Legend of the Vine at the Wine Communicators of Australia, Melbourne Royal Wine Awards Trophy Presentation, recognising his pioneering contribution to the Australian wine industry.

The celebration coincides with another major milestone, 21 years since Dal Zotto produced its first Australian-grown prosecco.

What began as a bold vision to bring a taste of northern Italy’s prosecco tradition to the King Valley has evolved into one of Australia’s most significant wine success stories; the total value of Australian prosecco production estimated to be $205 million in 2025, and growing.

In 1999, Otto Dal Zotto planted the first prosecco vines in Australia, inspired by his hometown of Valdobbiadene in Veneto, Italy, releasing its inaugural prosecco vintage five years later.

Two decades on, prosecco has become synonymous with Victoria’s King Valley, with Dal Zotto Wines at the forefront of the variety’s rise in popularity nationwide.

Reflecting on the milestone, Otto Dal Zotto said he was surprised how popular prosecco has become.

"I wanted to grow some because I grew up with it," he said.

"I used to walk through the vineyards to school, eating bunches of prosecco grapes, it’s a taste that’s part of my culture.

"To start a new variety takes a lot of time and effort, and it’s been wonderful to see Australians embrace it."

Dal Zotto’s chief winemaker Michael Dal Zotto said it was already an exciting industry to be a part of, but to introduce a variety into the market which has been so well embraced, makes them very happy.

"The success of the wines - and that we have helped to put King Valley on the map - makes us extremely proud,” he said.

The 2025 Legend of the Vine accolade acknowledges Otto Dal Zotto’s enduring leadership, vision and influence in shaping the future of Australian sparkling wine.

His commitment to authenticity and regional identity has helped position the King Valley as the home of Australian prosecco and inspired a new generation of winemakers.

As Dal Zotto Wines commemorates its 21st year of prosecco production, the family says it remains focused on the future — still family-owned and operated, with a renewed commitment to innovation, sustainability and quality.

In 2025, the winery announced the closure of its on-site trattoria to make way for a revitalised, prosecco-focused cellar door experience, designed to celebrate both the region’s heritage and the next chapter of the Dal Zotto story.