Vasse Felix veteran Bart Molony named Halliday Wine Companion’s Viticulturist of the Year 2024

One of the region’s best-known viticultural experts has received long overdue recognition in this year’s Jame Halliday awards. Vasse Felix vineyard master Bart Molony was awarded the coveted Viticulturist of the Year prize as part of last week’s honours. With the winery closed this month for renovations, it was all hands on deck to celebrate Molony for his achievement. “(It is) a very well-deserved accolade for our vineyard leader and his team, who work tirelessly to raise the bar on fruit quality each year,” a Vasse Felix spokesperson said. “Bart and his team caretake some of Margaret River’s most important vineyard responsibilities across five sites for Vasse Felix and Idée Fixe, including the region’s oldest Cabernet vines.” The long-term region resident who has worked at Vasse Felix for 20 years said he felt privileged to receive the nod. “I’d like to acknowledge the entire vineyard team at Vasse Felix, as this award also recognises their dedication and hard work, which has contributed to our success,” he said. Molony said he had a passion for sustainable viticulture where every practice was guided by a strong focus on vineyard biodiversity and responsible, natural farming practices. He promoted a constant focus on soil biology across all vineyards, he said, with the work extending to recent vineyard expansions at Wilyabrup, Karridale and the Gnarawary area, which added more than 100 hectares to Vasse Felix vineyards. Margaret River Wine Association chief executive Amanda Whiteland said the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion acknowledgement for Molony was “an important award and perhaps long overdue”. “The 2022 Halliday Wine Companion introduced the Viticulturist of the Year Award, highlighting the crucial role of viticulture in wine quality,” she said. “It is excellent that the Halliday Wine Companion team is now celebrating viticulture and acknowledging its crucial role in wine quality. “As a custodian for Margaret River’s oldest vines, Bart Molony is a highly appropriate recipient, and it is terrific news that the Halliday Wine Companion team has recognised him.” Ms Whiteland noted since the viticultural award was introduced four years ago, Margaret River experts had won twice, with Vanya Cullen receiving the inaugural award.