The Young Gun of Wine awards were introduced back in 2007. For more than a decade, this prestigious title has been searching, celebrating and motivating new and innovative winemakers. The awardees for the current year were announced on 20th June. There was a wave of applause in the crowd when it was revealed that 4 out of the 5 winners were from South Australia!
The 5 categories to be presented trophies include –Riedel Young Gun of Wine: Murdoch Hill’s Michael Downer from Adelaide Hills received the most reputable award of the night. Michael was shocked, as he never expected to win. Having not prepared a speech, he went on to say that being included in the Final 12 was a pretty big achievement for him, let alone winning the award!
People’s Choice: The trophy went to Peter Dredge of the Meadowbank wine label, a relatively new brand from a bountiful vineyard in Tasmania. The winner was decided on the basis of two public tastings held in Melbourne and Sydney. Peter was immensely happy with the recognition and love his wine brand received from the people.
Wine Australia Best New Act: Rob Mack of Aphelion Wine Co., a McLaren Vale based wine estate, was announced the winner. Rob commented that he couldn’t ever have imagined that his small wine brand would be recognized as the Best New Act.
Ocean Eight Winemaker’s Choice: The trophy for Winemaker’s Choice went to John Hughes of the Clare Valley based Riesling freak. The winner was voted by the 12 finalists. Hughes exclaimed that he was thankful for the support of his fellow winemakers, that this was the most valuable feedback and honour an individual winemaker could hope to receive.
First Drop Danger Zone: This award was presented to the ‘most adventurous wine’, which was revealed to be Brave New Wine’s Wonderland Botanical Riesling 2016 from Western Australia. Yoko Luscher-Mostert from Brave New Wine was overjoyed on their experiment winning this trophy.
Chosen from 200 candidates, these were the 5 that fared as the best!
