Family-run Murrumbateman vineyard takes out prestigious Jimmy Watson Wine Award
A small, family-run vineyard located 30 minutes’ drive from Canberra has taken out five awards in the 2024 Melbourne Royal Awards today – including the prestigious Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy.
In addition to the show’s top prize, Four Winds Vineyard’s 2023 Shiraz won The Trevor Mast Trophy for Best Shiraz; The Douglas Seabrook Trophy for Best Single Vineyard Wine; and the Best NSW/ACT Shiraz. The Kym Ludvigsen Trophy for Viticultural Excellence took Four Winds Vineyard’s medal tally to five.
Sarah and John Collingwood, who own and manage the vineyard and winery, described the five wins as an incredible honour, particularly given the challenges Canberra District wineries have faced in recent years. The Collingwoods lost their 2020 crop due to bushfire smoke taint, followed by a series of weather events that impacted subsequent vintages.
The winning 2023 FOUR WINDS VINEYARD Shiraz-Canberra District
“To win five awards is just amazing and totally unexpected. We’re delighted,” said Ms Collingwood, who in 2010 took over with her husband the 30-acre Murrumbateman vineyard established by her parents 26 years ago.
“Winning the Jimmy Watson is something we have always aspired to and the other four awards are the icing on the cake.”
Ms Collingwood said the award-winning shiraz held a special place in their hearts.
“The photo on the front of the bottle is of a sheet on the washing line that sits between the Shiraz and Sangiovese blocks at Four Winds Vineyard. Beside the sheet is a pair of children’s trousers. They belong to one of our children, aged one at the time,” she said.
“Our children are now 9 and 12, and that label reminds us of how our business and family have grown together,” said Ms Collingwood. “That this wine has won so many accolades is a testament to the incredible, ongoing support we have received from our family, team, and community.”
Visit: www.fourwindsvineyard.com.au
Images: Sarah and John Collingwood at Four Winds Vineyard (credit Erin Dando); the winning 2023
Shiraz; Sarah and John Collingwood at Melbourne Royal Wine Awards today.
