Margaret River lands four contestants in Young Gun of Wine awards

Four keen winemakers from the Margaret River region have made the final 50 for this year’s Young Gun of Wine awards. Fresh faces mark the line-up this year, with Margaret River among the fewest nominations — and the only WA candidates — for the east coast-run annual competition which highlights new and emerging winemakers as well as more experienced young vignerons making a name for themselves. Deep Woods’ John Fogarty, McHenry Hohnen’s Simon Keall, Vasse Felix’s Bart Molony, and Voyager Estate’s Steve James were the region’s top picks. “Inundated with entries, the judges narrowed the field to the 50 that best exemplified the values of sustainability, innovation and growing great wine,” panellist Max Allen said. “There’s so much great work being done in vineyards across the country, and wine drinkers still don’t hear about it often enough — but we’re trying to change that.” Leading judges included Dr Catherine Kidman, Mark Walpole, Dr Mary Retallack and Lee Haselgrove. Margaret River Wine Association chief executive Amanda Whiteland told the Times the region was well-promoted by the competition. “The values behind the YGOW Vineyard Award are sustainability, innovation and growing great wine. These all align strongly with the Margaret River wine region. “It is great to see four Margaret River finalists being recognised by the judges and in the running this year.” The winners would be announced in February.