Rowly, a descendant of Rutherglen pioneer George Francis Morris, has made a remarkable journey from graphic designer to celebrated winemaker.
His venture into winemaking began when he planted the first vines on his Linlithgow property in 2002. By 2010, he produced his first Scion wine, embodying a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
His wines, including fortified classics like 'Muscat Nouveau' and the dry orange muscat 'Blonde,' have captivated wine enthusiasts, earning him a dedicated following.
The Young Gun of Wine Awards, established in 2007, aim to connect emerging winemakers with wine drinkers, celebrating creative talent in the industry.
This year, the awards highlighted the exceptional quality and direction of Australian wine, with Rowly’s win underscoring the impact of his contributions.
Founder of the Young Gun of Wine Awards Rory Kent praised the top 50 winemakers for their impressive work.
“The Awards are about celebrating the collective top talents in the country. Seeing the work of these makers assembled together is incredibly impressive and a massive statement about the quality and direction of Australian wine,” he said.
Wine critic Nick Stock, a long-time judge at the awards, echoed Mr Kent’s sentiments.
“There’s a continuously evolving narrative to the top 50, and we are seeing people really nailing their intent to produce high-quality wines that are both unique and personal,” he said.
Rowly expressed his gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his journey.
“A huge thanks to all who have supported Sally and I in the lead-up to this year’s award, and to those who have had our back for nearly 20 years in the wine game,” he said.
“This award recognises the people around us. It speaks of your support, encouragement, and belief. You’re all bloody legends.”
The 2024 Young Gun of Wine Awards, held in Melbourne, brought together the top 50 winemakers for a final event that culminated in a trophy presentation dinner.
The event followed a trade event tour in Sydney and Brisbane, fostering community and wine culture among young winemakers.
“The future is bright for Australian wine,” Rowly said.
Rutherglen crowned Australia's trendiest location
In other news, Rutherglen has been named Australia’s trendiest location, beating out notable cities like the Gold Coast and Adelaide.
The announcement comes following an analysis conducted by B2C Furniture, which evaluated major Australian cities on the number of cafes, markets, vintage shops, theatres, street art murals, and art galleries.
B2C Furniture’s comprehensive study utilized a custom index to rank each area based on these cultural and lifestyle factors. According to B2C Furniture’s General Manager, Stacey Clarke, the findings reflect the unique appeal and vibrancy of cities beyond Australia’s major capitals.
“In Australia, we are blessed with an array of cities, each with something unique to offer. While some people like to be a part of the hustle and bustle of trendy neighbourhoods, others enjoy switching off in seclusion,” Clarke stated.
“Interestingly, Rutherglen beat out major capital cities such as Brisbane, Perth, Canberra, and Melbourne to be named Australia’s coolest spot. It shows that destinations outside the major capital cities have much to offer from cafe culture to historical theatres.”
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